Kyushu Shinkansen to resume full service on September 18

JR Kyushu has announced that the Kyushu Shinkansen will resume full operations on September 18, following service disruptions caused by the Kumamoto earthquake. While the line will be fully operational, trains will operate at reduced speeds near Shin-Yatsushiro due to ongoing safety measures and structural reinforcements.

To support regional mobility during the recovery period, Japan Airlines (JAL) is extending its temporary flight service between Fukuoka and Kagoshima. From September 1 to September 13, JAL will operate a total of 122 flights to compensate for the continued suspension of certain Shinkansen and local rail sections.

On the Kagoshima Main Line, service between Uto and Yatsushiro is expected to resume around mid-October. JR Kyushu reported extensive damage from the earthquake, including approximately 600 civil engineering issues, 300 track-related issues, and 100 power-related issues.