🇯🇵 Yao Airport

Yao Airport (RJOY) is a general aviation airport located in Yao, Osaka Prefecture, Japan. It is situated approximately 8.1 nautical miles (15.0 km or 9.3 mi) southeast of Ōsaka Station.

Type of Facility and Operations: Yao Airport is a public, civil airport, but it also functions as an airbase for the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF). It is notable as the only Regional/Second Class airport in Japan without scheduled airline services. The airport supports various operations, including general aviation, sightseeing, and charter flights offered by small carriers such as Asahi Airlines and Hankyu Airlines. It serves as a home for the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Middle Army Aviation Group, the Osaka Prefectural Police Aviation Corps, and the Osaka Municipal Fire Department Helicopter Unit. The Osaka Municipal Fire Department operates Eurocopter AS365 Dauphin helicopters from Yao for firefighting and has deployed them internationally for disaster relief. The JGSDF units based at Camp Yao operate UH-1 and OH-1 transport/observation helicopters.

Notable Features and History: The airport's history dates back to 1938 when it began as the Hanshin Aviation School. Two years later, it was seized by the army and expanded as the Taishō Airfield. After World War II, occupation forces referred to it as Hanshin Airfield before it was returned to Japanese control. Yao Airport is considered a rare airport in Japan for having two runways. Its longest primary runway, 09/27, measures 1,490 meters (4,888 feet) with an asphalt/concrete surface. The airport also has runway 13/31, which is 1,200 meters (3,937 feet) long, also with an asphalt concrete surface. It has an elevation of 33 to 39 feet (10 to 12 meters) above mean sea level.

Current Status: Yao Airport is currently operated by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport. It continues to be a crucial hub for disaster prevention due to its proximity to the Chubu Regional Disaster Prevention Center and the JGSDF Yao Garrison. The airport is open for operations with specific hours, generally 2300-1030Z (8:00 AM - 7:30 PM local time). Fuel (AVGAS and Jet A) is available. The airport has a control tower and provides VOR/DME approaches. While it does not have customs or US customs pre-clearance, prior permission may be required for certain operations.