Inside The Kansai International Airport Renovation And Terminal 1 Expansion

Chen Chuanren April 22, 2024
A total of 26 immigration counters are located in a new consolidated international wing.
Credit: Kansai International Airport
Array JP

A total of 26 immigration counters are located in a new consolidated international wing.

After passing through immigration, passengers are channeled into the duty-free area.
Credit: Chen Chuanren
Array JP

After passing through immigration, passengers are channeled into the duty-free area.

KIX features the largest walk-through duty-free area in any airport in Japan.
Credit: Chen Chuanren
Array JP

KIX features the largest walk-through duty-free area in any airport in Japan.

Self-ordering kiosks allow customers to order and pay for goods.
Credit: Chen Chuanren
Array JP

Self-ordering kiosks allow customers to order and pay for goods.

Once goods have been purchased via the kiosks, they are packaged and can be collected at dedicated service counters.
Credit: Chen Chuanren
Array JP

Once goods have been purchased via the kiosks, they are packaged and can be collected at dedicated service counters.

A plaza connects four “mood areas”—themed areas with select shops and food and beverage outlets.
Credit: Chen Chuanren
Array JP

A plaza connects four “mood areas”—themed areas with select shops and food and beverage outlets.

A retail space is located adjacent to the international gates
Credit: Chen Chuanren
Array JP

A retail space is located adjacent to the international gates.

A new food court offers expanded food and beverage options
Credit: Chen Chuanren
Array JP

A new food court offers expanded food and beverage options.

Kansai International Airport (KIX) in Osaka, Japan, has opened its international departure area as part of a multi-stage Terminal 1 renovation project.

The terminal’s north and south international wings used to be separated by the domestic flight area. During the pandemic, when demand and flight traffic was reduced, the airport carried out a massive renovation that reallocated domestic gates and combined the north and south international wings into a single unit, resulting in a 60% increase in the international departure area.

The renovation project was designed by an international team that includes British designer Pascall + Watson, New York-based architectural firm Populous and French consultant Saguez & Partners. The construction of the project was let by airport owner Kansai Airports to Obayashi, one of Japan's largest construction companies.

Renovation will continue through 2026 with a new security area and an expansion of retail space.

The initial upgraded terminal was opened at the end of the year. ATW was given a tour. 

Chen Chuanren

Chen Chuanren is the Southeast Asia and China Editor for the Aviation Week Network’s (AWN) Air Transport World (ATW) and the Asia-Pacific Defense Correspondent for AWN, joining the team in 2017.

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