Okinawa's main gateway bridging Japan and East Asia.
Opened
1933
Location
Naha, Japan
Naha International Airport (OKA/ROAH) serves as the primary aviation hub for Okinawa Prefecture, Japan's southernmost prefecture. Located on the western coast of Okinawa's main island adjacent to the city of Naha, it handles both domestic and international passenger traffic as well as significant cargo operations.
The airport plays a critical strategic role in the region, sharing its runway with Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) Naha Air Base. It is one of the busiest airports in Japan by passenger throughput, serving millions of travelers annually drawn to Okinawa's tourism industry.
A major expansion added a second runway, which opened in 2020, significantly increasing capacity. The airport serves as a hub for Ryukyu Air Commuter and a key base for Japan's low-cost carriers operating routes throughout Japan and to nearby East Asian destinations including Taiwan, South Korea, and China.
Terminals
The airport has a single main passenger terminal building divided into domestic and international wings, with the international section handling international arrivals and departures separately from the larger domestic operations.
Getting to & from
The Okinawa Urban Monorail (Yui Rail) connects the airport directly to Naha city center and Shuri, while taxis and buses provide additional ground transport options.
Airlines here
Japan Airlines (JAL) and All Nippon Airways (ANA) operate major hubs here, alongside low-cost carriers Peach Aviation and Jetstar Japan, as well as regional operator Ryukyu Air Commuter.
Notable facts
- ›The airport shares its single runway with JASDF Naha Air Base, requiring civil-military coordination.
- ›A second runway opened in March 2020 to address capacity constraints.
- ›Naha Airport is one of the top 10 busiest airports in Japan by passenger volume.
- ›The Yui Rail monorail has its terminal station directly at the airport.
- ›Okinawa's location roughly equidistant between Japan, Taiwan, and China makes it a regional transit point.
This profile is provided for general information only. Details may be inaccurate or outdated — always verify with the airport's official website before acting on them.
