Japanese airports implement new baggage and curfew rules

Major changes are being implemented at Japan's key airports to improve operational efficiency and manage noise pollution.

At Haneda Airport, seven domestic airlines will unify their baggage drop-off deadlines to 30 minutes before departure starting September 1. This measure aims to improve on-time performance by addressing delays caused by late check-ins and an increase in carry-on luggage.

Meanwhile, at Itami Airport, authorities are intensifying coordination to respect the 9:00 PM operational curfew. Following a 24% increase in flights operating past this hour over the last two years, the Japan Civil Aviation Bureau, Kansai Airports, and airlines have established new guidelines for pre-departure adjustments. This follows the introduction of a “nighttime noise suppression fee” in April, which charges double landing fees for flights operating after 9:00 PM to mitigate local environmental impact.

Additionally, the long-standing “1,000km rule,” which previously restricted long-distance routes at Itami, has been abolished. This change will allow airlines like JAL and ANA to expand long-distance domestic services starting with the winter schedule.