Kansai International Airport (KIX) in southern central Japan is celebrating a remarkable record. The hub has not lost a single piece of baggage in 30 years, it has announced in a press release.
With an average of 20-30 million passengers passing through the airport every year, that could amount to more than 900 million satisfied flyers since the airport’s inauguration in 1994.
But airport staff are modest about the achievement. “We don’t feel like we have been doing something special,” said airport spokesperson, Kenji Takanishi, speaking to CNN.
“We have been working as we normally do. We only do our work on a daily basis and we are recognized for it. We are certainly happy to receive the award. I think our staff, especially those working on the ground, feel more pleased.”
What makes a good airport?
Smooth baggage operations is just one of the factors taken into account when aviation sector analysts recognise the best airports around the world. Other considerations include flight punctuality, refreshment and restauration on-site, and cleanliness.
Singapore and Doha usually fight it out at the head of the ranking, with Doha currently number one, but Kansai has been named 2024’s best airport for baggage delivery service by Skytrax. Overall, it places 18th in the list, behind an impressive six other Japanese airports in the top 20, such as Tokyo’s Narita (in 5th) and Haneda ( in 4th).
A big year and Expo 2025 ahead
Kansai may be in contention for further awards in the future. With its two terminals designed by Renzo Piano, it is a major hub for All Nippon Airways, Japan Airlines and Nippon Cargo. Built as an overspill airport for Osaka International in 1994, it has been run by VINCI in partnership with Japan’s Orix since 2016. It has a big year ahead, as its capacity goes from 23 to 40 million passengers with the culmination of a massive remodel, since 2020.
The renovation includes a new international departure area and a commercial offer that, according to an airport release, will put it “at the top of main Asian airports for its passenger experience with unmatched quality of its commercial offer,” according to Nicolas Notebaert, CEO of VINCI Concessions and President of VINCI Airports.
Final improvement works are set to continue as the airport looks forward to hosting the world fair Expo 2025 due to take place next year in Osaka.
