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Nagoya Airport

About the Airport

Nagoya Airport. Source: Kupi.com Binoculars
Nagoya Airport (Komaki) is a unique aviation hub that often remains in the shadow of its giant neighbour, Chubu Centrair International Airport. Located much closer to the city centre, this airport has preserved a cosy atmosphere and has become the true home for the colourful fleet of Fuji Dream Airlines, whose aircraft are painted in the brightest colours of the rainbow. There are no endless queues or the hustle and bustle of huge terminals here; instead, there is an opportunity to immerse yourself in aviation history and take a quick flight across Japan with maximum comfort.
IATA Code NKM
ICAO Code RJNA
City Nagoya (Komaki)
Distance to centre ~12 km
Status Domestic
Annual Passengers approx. 760,000
### Features and Benefits of the Airport Nagoya Airport (Komaki) offers travellers a completely different experience compared to major international hubs. Its compactness and location make it a secret weapon for those who value time and convenience when travelling within the country. * Proximity to the city: Unlike Chubu Airport, which is located on an artificial island far out in the bay, Komaki is just a 20-30 minute drive from Nagoya Central Station. This allows for significant time savings on transfers. * Unique shopping: The old international terminal building has been converted into a huge shopping centre, "Airport Walk Nagoya". Passengers can enjoy a full shopping experience, visit the cinema, or dine at restaurants literally within walking distance of the departure zone. * Aviation Museum: The "Aichi Museum of Flight" is located next to the airport. Here you can see real historical aircraft, including the legendary YS-11, and learn about the region's rich aviation history. * Observation Deck: The airport is famous for its open observation deck, which offers a magnificent view of the runway and the bright Fuji Dream Airlines (FDA) aircraft. This is a popular spot not only for passengers but also for local aviation photographers and spotters. * Fast Service: Thanks to the small size of the terminal, all procedures — from check-in to boarding — are completed very quickly and without unnecessary stress.

Contact Information

Below is the main contact information for Nagoya Airport (NKM), also known as Komaki Airport.

  • Official Website: www.nagoya-airport-bldg.co.jp (website available in Japanese and English).
  • Help Desk Phone: +81 568-28-5633. Please note that telephone support may be provided primarily in Japanese.
  • Address: Toyoba, Toyoyama, Nishikasugai District, Aichi 480-0202, Japan.
  • Email: The airport does not publish a general email address for passenger enquiries. It is recommended to use the telephone for urgent matters.
  • Social Media: The airport does not have active official pages on social networks for general support. For flight information, please contact your airline directly.
  • Lost Luggage Information: For issues related to lost or damaged luggage, please contact the representative office of the airline you travelled with directly.
  • Passenger Support Contacts: On-site assistance is available at the information desks within the terminal. For remote enquiries, please use the general help desk phone number.

How to Get to the Airport

Nagoya Airport (NKM), also known as Nagoya Airfield or Komaki Airport, is conveniently located relative to the central part of the city of Nagoya. It serves primarily domestic flights and is an excellent starting point for travels across Japan. You can reach it in several ways, each having its own advantages depending on your budget, time, and preferences.

Public Transport is the most popular and economical way to get to the airport. The main means are buses. Special shuttles depart from several key points in the city, including the Meitetsu Bus Centre (near Nagoya Station) and the lively Sakae district. The journey usually takes between 20 to 35 minutes depending on traffic, and the ticket cost is around 700-800 yen. There is no direct rail link to the airport, so the bus is the most convenient public transport option.

Taxi or Private Transfer is the fastest and most comfortable way to reach the airport, especially if you are travelling with children or a large amount of luggage. A trip from the centre of Nagoya will take about 25-30 minutes, and the cost will be approximately 4,000 to 6,000 yen. A pre-booked transfer can guarantee a fixed price and a personal meet-and-greet, which is particularly convenient for groups.

If you plan to move actively around the Chubu region, car rental can be an excellent solution. Offices of all major rental companies operate in Nagoya and directly at the airport. This gives you freedom of movement and allows you to build a route according to your own schedule. For those arriving by private or rented car, convenient parking is provided within the airport grounds. The parking fee is quite moderate, making it a good option for both short and long trips.

In general, the choice of transport depends on your priorities. For a budget-friendly and simple journey, the direct bus is best suited. If speed and comfort are paramount, your choice is a taxi. Meanwhile, renting a car offers maximum freedom of movement throughout central Japan.

Terminals and Map

Nagoya Airport (NKM), also known as Komaki Airport, is a compact and convenient aviation hub. It is important not to confuse it with the region's main international airport — Chubu Centrair (NGO). NKM Airport operates one passenger terminal, which serves all flights, primarily domestic ones.

The structure of the terminal is extremely simple and intuitive. All key zones — departures and arrivals — are located in one building on a single level, eliminating the need for long walks or the use of shuttles. The airport layout is very logical: check-in counters, the security screening area, and boarding gates are in close proximity to each other. The arrivals area with baggage claim belts and the exit to the city is also easily accessible.

Thanks to its compactness and focus on domestic travel, completing all pre-flight formalities here takes significantly less time than in large airports. Flight check-in and security screening usually proceed quickly and without long queues. As a rule, arriving at the airport 60-90 minutes before departure is sufficient to go through all procedures without rushing.

Navigating the terminal requires no special effort. Clear signs in Japanese and English are installed everywhere. The distances between check-in counters, the security zone, and the gates are minimal, making movement around the airport maximally comfortable. This airport is an excellent choice for those who value their time and prefer a calm environment before flying across Japan.

History of the Airport

The history of Nagoya Airport, also known as Komaki Airport, is a clear example of how the transport needs of the region have changed. Its story began in 1944, when it was opened as an airbase for the Imperial Japanese Army. After the end of World War II, the facility came under the management of the US Air Force and received international airport status, becoming the main aviation hub for the city of Nagoya and the entire Chubu region for many years.

In the post-war decades, as Japan experienced economic growth, the airport actively developed. It received an increasing number of international and domestic flights, serving as an important centre for cargo and passenger transport. However, its location in a densely populated area imposed restrictions on further expansion and 24-hour operation. This became one of the main reasons for the construction of a new, more modern airport.

A turning point in the history of NKM was February 2005, when Chubu Centrair International Airport (NGO), built on an artificial island, opened. Practically all commercial airlines moved their flights to the new harbour, and Nagoya Airport (Komaki) was repurposed. Today, it plays a completely different but no less important role.

An interesting fact: after the large-scale reorganisation, the airport retained a dual purpose. It is now used as a base for the Japan Self-Defence Forces, a centre for business aviation, and a hub for the regional airline Fuji Dream Airlines (FDA), operating domestic flights across the country. Thus, the old airport did not cease to exist but transformed, continuing to serve the region's transport system in a new capacity.

Services and Amenities

Nagoya Airport (NKM) is a compact and functional terminal that focuses on speed and convenience of passenger service for domestic flights. Its well-thought-out layout allows for quick passage through all pre-flight formalities. For comfortable waiting, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal.

You can have a snack or drink coffee before departure in one of several cosy cafes. If you forgot to buy gifts, there are small shops in the airport selling souvenirs and local goods from Japan. ATMs are installed in the terminal for basic financial matters.

The airport provides necessary amenities for all passengers. Families with small children can use the specially equipped nursing room. Furthermore, the terminal is fully adapted to the needs of travellers with reduced mobility, ensuring comfortable and unimpeded movement for them.

Where to Eat

Nagoya Airport (NKM), also known as Komaki Airfield, offers passengers a small but well-considered selection of dining places. Unlike large international airports, all cafes and restaurants here are compactly located in the main terminal, mostly in the public area before passport control. This makes it a convenient place to have a quiet lunch or a snack before departure.

For a full meal and an introduction to the region's cuisine, head to one of the local restaurants. Here you can try famous dishes of Japan and, in particular, Aichi Prefecture. Be sure to look out for miso-katsu (crispy pork cutlet with rich miso sauce) and kishimen (a special type of wide flat noodles). Besides local specialities, the menu always includes classic Japanese dishes such as ramen, udon, and teishoku set meals.

If you are short on time, local cafes are excellent for a quick snack. They will offer you coffee, tea, fresh pastries, and sandwiches. Another popular and budget-friendly option is to visit a convenience store (konbini), where you can buy ready-made bento lunch boxes, onigiri, salads, and drinks. This is an ideal solution if you are rushing for a flight.

It is important to note that practically all establishments are located landside (before security control). In the departure zone (airside), the selection is very limited, so it is better to eat in advance. Regarding special dietary requests, finding vegetarian dishes is possible; however, finding certified Halal or gluten-free options might be challenging. It is always better to check the ingredients with the staff. The price range is moderate: the average bill in a restaurant will be 1,500–2,500 yen, while a snack in a cafe will cost up to 1,000 yen.

The operating hours of most catering establishments at NKM Airport are tied to the flight schedule and usually cover the period from early morning until 20:00–21:00. Since the schedule may change, it is recommended to check the current information on the official airport website before your visit.

Travel Tips

To ensure your journey through Chubu Airport in Nagoya goes smoothly and without fuss, it is worth considering a few practical points. A little preparation — and you will be able to enjoy Japanese organisation, making the beginning or end of your trip to Japan as comfortable as possible.

When to arrive at the airport? For international flights, allow at least 2.5–3 hours before departure, and for domestic flights, 1.5–2 hours will be sufficient. During national holidays, such as Golden Week or Obon, passenger traffic increases, so it is better to arrive with time to spare.

Check-in and Security. Save time by using online check-in if your airline provides this service. Security screening procedures in Japanese airports are notable for their efficiency and strictness. Prepare liquids in advance (in containers up to 100 ml, in a transparent bag) and be ready to remove laptops and other gadgets from your hand luggage for separate scanning.

Choosing a seat on the plane. Window seats will give you stunning views of Ise Bay during takeoff and landing. If you value freedom of movement and want to exit faster after landing, choose an aisle seat. For a quiet flight, try to avoid seats near the galley and washrooms. To make an informed choice, you can study the seating plan of your aircraft on specialised resources in advance.

What to pack in hand luggage? Besides standard restrictions on liquids and sharp objects, pay special attention to food products. Importing many types of meat, fruits, and vegetables into Japan without appropriate phytosanitary certificates is prohibited. These rules may also apply on domestic flights, so it is always better to clarify them beforehand.

If you have a transfer. Chubu Airport is a convenient hub with clear navigation. Signs are duplicated in English, so it is difficult to get lost — simply follow the "Transfer" signs. As a rule, when transferring from an international to an international flight, you do not need to leave the transit zone. Check with the airline representative whether your luggage needs to be re-checked.

Passing Customs. Upon entering the country, you will need to complete a customs declaration. Be sure to declare cash if the amount exceeds 1 million yen (or equivalent), as well as goods subject to duty. Familiarise yourself with current customs regulations in advance to avoid misunderstandings.

Saving time and money. Bring an empty water bottle with you — after security, it can be filled at drinking fountains. Food prices in the departure zone are usually higher, but there are "konbini" stores within the terminal where you can buy snacks and drinks at more reasonable prices. Keep your passport and boarding pass ready so you don't have to search for them at the last moment.

If the flight is delayed. Do not get upset! First of all, contact the airline representative for information. Nagoya Airport offers unique entertainment. You can go up to the Sky Deck observation deck and watch the planes, and the main highlight is the authentic Japanese bath (onsen) Fu-no-yu, where you can relax in a hot bath with a view of the runway. For long delays, a capsule hotel is at your service right inside the terminal.

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