Japan’s transport ministry is set to help regional airports attract more international flights in an effort to boost the number of foreign tourists to the country.
Currently, most incoming travelers arrive at major hubs. Only 5 percent use local airports.
The ministry has selected 27 regional airports and will help them attract international flights operated by LCCs.
Lower landing fees and subsidies for personnel costs will be offered to airlines that launch or increase international flights at 19 of the designated airports. Those airports include Sendai and Shizuoka airports.
The ministry will also subsidize the expansion of departure and arrival lobbies at 6 airports, including Nagasaki and Fukushima airports.
Ministry officials will provide the operators of 2 airports which currently have no international flights with information to lure such flights. They are Matsumoto Airport in Nagano Prefecture and Shimojishima Airport in Okinawa.
Source: NHK Image: Bank Image
Join the Conversation