The new international departure area within Terminal 1 of Japan's Kansai International Airport (KIX) has opened as part of works to renovate the terminal.
KIX said the project means passengers can now go through the passport control process more smoothly thanks to a centralised immigration system, which was previously located on the north and south of the terminal.
The new area has a walk-through duty-free shop, a central plaza area, and four “Mood Areas” with 27 retail and food and drink outlets.
The Mood Areas offer customers “four different atmospheres”, and passengers can choose where to go next based on their mood.
“Kansai Airports Group will keep collaborating with its stakeholders to strengthen the functions of KIX as a gateway to Kansai for domestic and international passengers and to continue ahead with the renovation with safety and security as the top priorities,” the airport said in a statement.
A tape-cutting ceremony was held with KIX stakeholders, including Yoshiyuki Yamaya, CEO of Kansai Airports, and Benoit Rulleau, co-CEO.
In the spring of 2025, KIX will mark its grand opening when the majority of the renovation work will be completed. In the autumn of 2026, expansion of the new international commercial area will take place.
IMAGE CREDIT: Kansai International Airport
