Kansai International Airport has completed a major terminal redevelopment project featuring expanded retail and passenger facilities.
Kansai International Airport (KIX) has completed a major redevelopment of Terminal 1 following the official inauguration of its expanded international retail area.
The project marks the completion of a large scale terminal modernisation programme launched in 2021 and coincides with the tenth anniversary of the airport concession operated by VINCI Airports and ORIX through Kansai Airports.
Kansai Airport completes Terminal 1 transformation project
Airport officials stated that the redevelopment forms part of wider efforts to strengthen the airport’s operational capacity, international connectivity and passenger experience.
The newly completed international retail zone includes 24 additional retail outlets featuring luxury brands, regional product stores and food and beverage facilities.
The redevelopment also includes what the airport describes as Japan’s largest walk through duty free shop within the international departures area.
According to Kansai Airports, the upgraded departures zone first opened in December 2023 and increased the original terminal surface area by approximately 60 per cent.
The full modernisation programme represented a total investment of around 70 billion yen.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by senior executives from VINCI Airports, ORIX and Kansai Airports alongside regional officials and airport partners.
Nicolas Notebaert said the redevelopment reflects a long term commitment to improving service quality, operational performance and environmental responsibility at the airport.
Since assuming responsibility for the airport concession in 2016, VINCI Airports and ORIX have overseen a series of investment and infrastructure projects focused on passenger operations and airport modernisation.
The airport operator stated that deployment of new technologies and expanded terminal facilities has strengthened Kansai International Airport’s role as a global gateway serving the Kansai region.
In 2025, Kansai International Airport handled more than 34 million passengers, reinforcing its position as one of Japan’s leading international airports and a major hub for inbound tourism.
The airport said the completed redevelopment project is expected to further support long term traffic growth and international passenger demand.
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