Former Tanegashima Airport

The airport was closed due to its replacement by the New Tanegashima Airport (IATA: TNE, ICAO: RJFG), which opened the following day. The old airport's facilities were outdated and limited. Its short 1,500-meter runway could only handle smaller turboprop aircraft and was situated in a location prone to strong crosswinds, resulting in frequent flight diversions and cancellations. The new airport was constructed with a longer 2,000-meter runway to accommodate larger jet aircraft (like the Boeing 737), improve operational reliability, and support the island's economic and tourism development.

The site of the former airport has been completely redeveloped. The vast majority of the land, including the former runway and apron, is now occupied by a large-scale photovoltaic power plant, often referred to as the Nakatane Town Solar Park. The transformation from an aviation hub to a renewable energy facility is complete. Some of the original airport infrastructure, like the terminal building and hangars, may still be standing but have been repurposed for other uses.

Opened in 1962, the Former Tanegashima Airport was the sole air link to the island for 44 years. It played a crucial role in connecting the remote island to mainland Japan, primarily serving routes to Kagoshima and Osaka. The airport was vital for the local economy, tourism, and for transporting personnel and equipment for the nearby Tanegashima Space Center (JAXA). It was famously served by the Japanese-made NAMC YS-11 turboprop, operated for most of its history by Toa Domestic Airlines (TDA), which later became Japan Air System (JAS) before merging with Japan Airlines (JAL). The airport's challenging operating conditions and reliance on the YS-11 are key parts of its history.

There are no plans or prospects for reopening the airport. Its function has been entirely superseded by the modern and more capable New Tanegashima Airport. The land has been permanently repurposed for solar energy generation, making a return to aviation activities infeasible and unnecessary.