Kansai International Airport (KIX)
Osaka, JP 🇯🇵 Large International Airport Scheduled Service
ICAO
RJBB
IATA
KIX
Elevation
26 ft
Region
JP-27
Local Time
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GPS Code: RJBB
Local Code: Not available
Location: 34.427299° N, 135.244003° E
Continent: Asia
Type: Large International Airport
Keywords: OSA
What Travelers Say
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Online Reviews Summary
Kansai International Airport (KIX) generally receives mixed reviews from recent travelers, with some praising its efficiency and staff, while others report significant delays, especially in immigration and security. Despite being certified as a 4-Star Airport by Skytrax and receiving awards for baggage delivery, individual experiences can vary greatly depending on the time of travel and specific circumstances.
What Travelers Love
- Excellent Staff Service: Many travelers commend the airport staff for being kind, helpful, polite, supportive, and efficient, particularly during check-in and in assisting with issues.
- Outstanding Baggage Handling: KIX holds an "enviable reputation of having never misplaced a handled bag" and was awarded first place in the "World's Best Airport for Baggage Delivery" at the World Airport Awards 2024.
- Cleanliness: The airport consistently receives high ratings for its cleanliness and comfort.
- Strong Transportation Connections: KIX offers excellent multi-modal transport links to Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, and Kobe via various train and bus services.
- Improved Facilities and Shopping: Recent renovations, with a grand opening scheduled for March 2025, have expanded and enhanced Terminal 1, including a new international departure area with KIX DUTY FREE, Japan's largest walk-through comprehensive duty-free store, offering a wide array of products. New restaurants are also increasing authentic Japanese cuisine options.
- Recreational Amenities: Facilities like the KIX Observation Hall Sky View and a rooftop park for children offer engaging activities for passengers.
Common Complaints
- Long Immigration Wait Times: A frequent complaint is the extensive wait times for immigration on arrival, with some travelers reporting queues of up to 1.5 to 2 hours, especially during peak periods and holidays like Golden Week, due to limited open counters and slow processing.
- Security Congestion: While some report quick security checks, others describe the security areas as cramped and crowded, leading to waits of 45 minutes to over an hour for departure.
- Limited Post-Security Food and Drink Options: Some reviews mention a lack of diverse food options and even a scarcity of water or drink shops immediately after clearing security in certain areas, though recent expansions aim to address this.
- Early Closure of Public Transport: Public transportation options to downtown areas can cease operations relatively early in the evening (around 10:30-11 pm), which can be an issue for late arrivals.
- Temperature Control Issues: Travelers have noted inconsistent air conditioning in summer and excessive heating in winter, making some waiting areas, particularly around security, uncomfortable.
In summary, Kansai International Airport is a modern facility with excellent staff and strong transport links, benefiting from ongoing renovations to improve passenger experience and offerings. However, travelers should budget ample time for security and immigration, especially during busy periods, and be aware of potential limitations in post-security amenities and late-night public transport.
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Airport Routes
Kansai International Airport (KIX) offers 195 flight routes operated by 10 airlines. Major carriers include Peach Aviation, China Postal Airlines, Japan Airlines and others. Popular destinations from Osaka include Incheon Int'l, Shanghai Pudong Int'l, Taiwan Taoyuan Int'l, Hong Kong Int'l and Gimhae Int'l.
Route Network Map
Top Routes (by observations)
Newly Discovered
- Shanghai Pudong Int'l (PVG) new
- Nantong (NTG) new
- Incheon Int'l (ICN) new
- Hong Kong Int'l (HKG) new
- Brisbane (BNE) new
- Tokyo Int'l (Haneda) (HND) new
- Sydney (SYD) new
- Don Muang Int'l (Old Bangkok Int'l) (DMK) new
- Daniel K Inouye Intl (HNL) new
- Taiwan Taoyuan Int'l (TPE) new
- Fukuoka (FUK) new
- New Chitose (CTS) new
Popular Flight Routes
| Destination | IATA | City | Aircraft Type | Airline | Details | Route Map |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
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Top Airlines
Operating at Kansai International AirportAirlines by Flight Activity
Based on observed flight operations and route network| Airline | Routes | Flights | Destinations | Last Activity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Peach Aviation
APJ
/ MM
|
19 | 533 | 19 | Feb 4, 2026 |
China Postal Airlines
CYZ
/ CF
|
10 | 279 | 10 | Feb 3, 2026 |
Japan Airlines
JAL
/ JL
|
6 | 150 | 6 | Feb 4, 2026 |
|
Longhao Airlines
LHA
/ GI
|
4 | 141 | 4 | Jan 26, 2026 |
Air China
CCA
/ CA
|
3 | 132 | 3 | Feb 3, 2026 |
ANA Wings
AKX
/ EH
|
4 | 120 | 4 | Feb 4, 2026 |
|
Jeju Air
JJA
/ 7C
|
3 | 112 | 3 | Feb 3, 2026 |
|
Jetstar Japan
JJP
/ GK
|
5 | 109 | 5 | Feb 2, 2026 |
|
Central Airlines
HLF
/ I9
|
2 | 109 | 2 | Feb 3, 2026 |
China Airlines
CAL
/ CI
|
4 | 106 | 4 | Feb 3, 2026 |
For Pilots
| Designation | Length | Width | Surface | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
06L/24R |
13123 ft | 196 ft | ASP | Active Lighted |
06R/24L |
11483 ft | 196 ft | ASP | Active Lighted |
| Type | Description | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| APP | APP | 120.25 MHz |
| ATIS | ATIS | 127.85 MHz |
| CLD | CLNC DEL | 121.9 MHz |
| DEP | DEP | 119.2 MHz |
| GND | GND | 121.6 MHz |
| TCA | TCA | 121.1 MHz |
| TWR 06L/24R | - | 118.05 MHz |
| TWR 06R/24L | - | 118.2 MHz |
Ground Transportation
Taxis
Taxi stands are located on the first floor of both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Taxis are convenient but are the most expensive option for traveling to city centers like Osaka or Kyoto. Fixed-fare services to specific zones are available, which can be slightly cheaper than the meter for long distances.
Rental Cars
Rental car counters for major Japanese and international companies (including Toyota, Nissan, Times, and Orix) are located in the Aeroplaza, which is connected to Terminal 1. A free shuttle bus runs between Terminal 2 and the Aeroplaza. An International Driving Permit is required for most non-Japanese license holders. Advance booking is highly recommended.
Public Transportation
Kansai Airport has excellent public transit connections, which are the most common and cost-effective options.
- Trains: Two operators serve the airport from a single station connected to Terminal 1.
- JR (Japan Railways): The 'Haruka' Limited Express is the fastest train to Shin-Osaka and Kyoto. The 'Kansai Airport Rapid Service' is a cheaper, slower alternative serving Osaka Station.
- Nankai Electric Railway: The 'Rapi:t' Limited Express offers a fast, direct connection to Namba Station in southern Osaka. The 'Airport Express' is a more economical Nankai train to Namba.
- Limousine Buses: A comprehensive network of airport buses provides direct service to major hotels and train stations in Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe, Nara, and other destinations across the Kansai region. Bus stops are located on the first floor of both terminals.
- High-Speed Ferry: A bay shuttle ferry provides a direct and fast connection between Kansai Airport and Kobe Airport.
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External Links & Resources
Official Resources
Public Transportation