Fukuoka Airport: rapid international growth driven by LCCs

Fukuoka Airport has experienced rapid international growth this decade, driven primarily by Korean LCCs. Further rapid international growth is likely as a new consortium takes over operation of the airport and develops a new low cost carrier terminal (LCCT).

The new consortium, which includes three Japanese companies and Singapore's Changi Airport, expects international passenger traffic will increase to 16 million by 2048, compared to close to 7 million in 2018. Domestic passenger traffic, which has grown at a very slow pace this decade, is projected to increase to only 19 million by 2048, compared to approximately 18 million in 2018.

The Fukuoka HD consortium has a target of securing nearly 40 new international routes over the next 30 years, including new long haul routes to Europe and North America. Its plan is to expand the airport's international terminal, as well as to develop a dedicated LCCT to accommodate the anticipated growth.