The Race to Save Japan's $21BN Floating Airport - YouTube

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1994
Osaka, Japan
# kansai international airport

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Overview

Kansai International Airport in Osaka, Japan, is an engineering marvel built on an artificial island. Opened in 1994, the airport faced challenges from the start, including sinking land and financial difficulties. Despite these obstacles, the airport thrived, becoming a key hub for national and international travel. However, it faced another setback in 2018 when Typhoon Jebi caused significant damage. Despite these challenges, the airport continues to operate, undergoing renovations to combat sinking, improve facilities, and prepare for the 2025 World Expo.

History of Kansai International Airport
- ✈️
  The idea for a new airport in Osaka emerged in the late 1960s due to the increasing demand for air travel and the limitations of the existing Itami Airport.
- 🏝️
  The decision to build Kansai International Airport on an artificial island was made to address space constraints and minimize disruption to residents.
- 🚧
  Construction began in 1987 and involved a massive dredging and filling operation to create the island foundation.
- 🌉
  The Sky Gate Bridge, a 3.7-kilometer-long bridge connecting the island to the mainland, was inaugurated in 1991.
- 💸
  The airport officially opened in 1994, costing over \$20 billion, significantly exceeding the initial budget.
Challenges and Solutions
- 🌊
  The artificial island faced a major issue: sinking. The weight of the materials used in construction compressed the seabed, causing subsidence.
- ⚙️
  To combat sinking, engineers installed over a million adjustable piles to support the terminal and runways, along with a system of hydraulic jacks and sensors to monitor and adjust the platform's balance.
- 💰
  The high construction costs led to increased landing fees for airlines, making Kansai Airport one of the most expensive airports in the world at the time.
- 🌪️
  In 2018, Typhoon Jebi caused significant damage to the airport, flooding infrastructure and damaging the access bridge, leading to a temporary closure.
Renovations and Future
- 🤝
  In 2016, Kansai Airport was privatized, with a joint venture between Orix and Vinci Airports taking over management.
- 🔨
  Following Typhoon Jebi, renovations focused on reinforcing the island's defenses, upgrading electrical systems, and improving safety measures.
- ✨
  Further renovations aim to modernize the airport, increase passenger capacity, and enhance the traveler experience, particularly in preparation for the 2025 World Expo in Osaka.

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Introduction of Kansai International Airport
One of the world's most impressive airports.
Located in Osaka, Japan, Kansai International Airport.
Built on an immense artificial island.
Over 30 million passengers in 2019.
Osaka's showcase and gateway for the 2025 World Expo.
The History and Challenges of Construction
Kansai International Airport rose from the sea with great difficulty.
The idea for a new airport dates back to the late 1960s.
Authorities decided to build new infrastructure.
The existing airport at Itami faced capacity and urbanization issues.
An innovative project arose: building an airport on the waters of Osaka Bay.
Construction and Engineering Feats
The site is located southwest of Osaka, about 30 kilometers from the city center.
Construction began in 1987.
The first stage was draining the site.
80 ships brought in tens of millions of cubic meters of material to build the embankment.
In 1991, the 3.7 kilometers long Sky Gate Bridge linking the island to the coast was inaugurated.
Sinking and Solutions
The island is sinking at a rate of eight to ten meters.
The weight of construction materials compressed the seabed.
The solution: over a million adjustable piles to support the terminal and runways.
A system of hydraulic jacks and sensors constantly adjusts the piles to maintain the platform's balance.
This system slows down the subsidence of the artificial island.
Opening and Financial Challenges
The terminal, designed by Renzo Piano, went into service in 1994.
The construction cost over $20 billion, a third more than the planned budget.
The Japanese government covered the majority of the costs.
Entrance fees and landing taxes were increased to compensate for the financial deficit.
Natural Disasters and Privatization
On January 17th, 1995, a powerful earthquake struck Japan.
The airport withstood the earthquake due to its seismic resistance system.
However, the airport suffered significant damage from Typhoon Jebi in 2018.
In 2016, Itami Airport and Kansai Airport were privatized.
The concession was awarded to a joint venture between Orix and Vinci Airports until 2060.
Renovations and the Future
The joint venture invested over $340 million to secure the site.
A second phase of renovation is underway to modernize the airport.
The goal is to increase passenger capacity and make the airport a showcase for the 2025 World Expo.
The new facilities should increase traffic to 40 million passengers.
The renovations also focused on luxury, with the addition of high-end boutiques.