Miyajima Seaplane Base

Primarily economic reasons resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. The business model was heavily dependent on tourism, especially high-value inbound tourists. The global travel restrictions and sharp decline in tourism from 2020 onwards made the operation financially unsustainable, leading to its eventual liquidation.

The site is an open body of water in the Seto Inland Sea, adjacent to the Miyajimaguchi ferry terminal. As there was no permanent physical infrastructure at the coordinates, the area has simply reverted to its standard use for maritime traffic, primarily the frequent ferries that transport tourists and residents between the mainland and Miyajima Island.

The 'Miyajima Seaplane Base' was not a traditional airport with land-based infrastructure at this location, but rather a designated water landing area (alighting area) in the Seto Inland Sea. It was used by the company 'Setouchi Seaplanes' from August 2016 until late 2020. The company operated modern Kodiak 100 amphibious aircraft for scenic flights and charter services. Its significance was in providing a unique, high-end tourist experience, offering spectacular aerial views of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Itsukushima Shrine, and its famous floating torii gate on Miyajima Island. The main operational hub and terminal was located at the Onomichi Floating Port, but Miyajima was a key destination and landing zone for their routes.

There are no known plans or prospects for reopening. The operator, Setouchi Seaplanes, has been liquidated, and its assets, including the specialized Kodiak 100 aircraft, have been sold. A new venture would need to be established from scratch, requiring significant capital investment, acquisition of suitable aircraft, and securing complex regulatory approvals to operate in the busy and environmentally sensitive channel. Given the recent failure of the previous well-funded operator, the prospect of a new seaplane service being established here in the near future is considered extremely low.