Kansai International Airport unveils revamped International terminal

Kansai International Airport (KIX) has officially re-opened the newly renovated international departure area of Terminal 1.

Operator, Kansai Airports, says the major renovation is designed to enhance the passenger experience by providing them with bigger and better facilities.

According to KIX, the project serves multiple purposes, one of which is that it will raise the Japanese gateway’s international passenger handling capacity from 23 to 40 million passengers per annum.

The airport notes that it delivers better operations through centralised functions for immigration of security.

And Kansai Airports believes that it also the opportunity to “considerably improve the passenger experience according to the highest world’s standards”, citing the new departure area, which provides a new walkthrough store and a new sense-of-place plaza, as examples of the enhanced experiences that travellers can now enjoy.

It also shelters new “commercial islands” based on VINCI Airports concept of design by mood. The airport operator states: “These thematic islands feature new high-end stores from renowned luxurious brands (Louis Vuitton, Dior, Chanel, Hermes, Gucci, etc), new catering options with local brands and specialties.

“This new phase puts KIX at the top of main Asian airports for its passenger experience with unmatched quality of its commercial offer.”

The project also supports Japan’s tourism expansion and will contribute to Kansai hospitality for Expo 2025 Osaka.

Ultimately, argues VINCI Airport, “it underlines the merits of the concession model combining the best of public interest and private operator know-how and investment capacities to deliver best-in-class projects.”

Nicolas Notebaert, CEO of VINCI Concessions and president of VINCI Airports, said: “This new international departure demonstrates the know-how of VINCI Airports ‘teams and the added value we bring in the countries where we operate.

“We develop and design innovative projects to position our airports at the forefront of passengers’ expectations and encourage positive mobility.”