TokyoTomo Travel Guide

Ibaraki Airport (茨城空港) will soon become the 3rd international airport in the Tokyo metropolitan area, aiming to add to the long-term economic growth of the region. Though its new-concept, low-cost airport has not appeal much to both local and international carriers to mount flights to its airport, but is certainly looking forward to fill the gap between Narita airport and Haneda airport. It is capable to accommodate various demands, from domestic and international flights, to charter flights, and private business jet service.

With both Narita and Haneda both close to reaching its capacity, Ibaraki airport is unanimously chosen as a secondary airport for Tokyo.

Located just around 80km from central Tokyo, and there are two million people who are living in the vicinity, northwest fringes of Tokyo, it is able to benefit and bypass Tokyo air traffic for certain flights. Many believed that it is an immediate potential for low-cost carrier hub. Asiana has announced to operate daily service from Incheon airport, in Seoul and 3 times weekly services from Busan.

Air Asia X and few other regional carriers have also examined possible service to countries in the region; Malaysia, Philippines, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan and China. However talks are still underway for domestic service to the cities of Naha, Fukuoka, Osaka and Sapporo.

The airport’s infrastructure is designed to support low-cost carriers with capability for a short turn-around time, is the basic requirement for any discount carrier. It has a departure lobby and an arrival lobby on the same floor for streamlining passengers’ movement and maximizing usage, and also by not requiring the use of a boarding bridge and using a boarding ramp instead, it is able to eliminate the high airport fees. The airport has an apron that allows even a wide-body aircraft to make a U-turn, all help contribute to reducing costs.

Access to Ibaraki airport:

Approximately 85mins using Airport Limousine Bus service leaving Tokyo Sta.

Approximately 90mins taking the Tsukuba Express Railway service from Akihabara Sta. to Tsukuba Sta.  then transfer using a bus/car to Ibaraki airport, adding another 45mins.

With Japan’s aviation demand growing rapidly, Ibaraki airport is expected to help ease the load, and serve to enhance the airport system.