A third runway is to be built at Japan’s Narita International Airport to meet growing passenger traffic.

Operated by Narita International Airport Corporation, the airport currently has two runways, namely the 4,000m-long A Runway and 2,500m-long B Runway.

Set to be completed by 2028, the C Runway will be 3,500m-long and is planned to be constructed in parallel with the other two runways. Plans are also in place to extend the B Runway by 1,000m to accommodate larger aircraft.

“The new programme is expected to increase arrival and departure slots from the existing 300,000 to approximately 500,000 a year.”

Additionally, the airport operator has reached an agreement with the Chiba Prefectural government, local government officials and the transport ministry to expand the hours for landings and takeoffs at the airport.

The decision marks the first extension of operating hours since the airport opened in Narita, Chiba Prefecture in 1978.

Following the completion of the C Runway, the airport will extend its operations timings from 17 hours to 19.5 hours.

The new programme is expected to increase arrival and departure slots from the existing 300,000 to approximately 500,000 a year.

With the implementation of the new plan, the ministry hopes to boost the number of flights, expand routes and improve the airport’s competitiveness.

Spanning over 1,172ha, Narita Airport has three passenger terminals and 21 cargo facilities buildings.