Nestled within the picturesque Osaka Bay in Japan, the Kansai International Airport, once celebrated for its uniqueness, is now facing a critical challenge: it’s sinking at an alarming rate.
Launched in 1994 at a cost of £15 billion, this colossal aviation marvel was designed to be a symbol of modernity and convenience, serving the air travel needs of Osaka residents and acting as a vital hub for major Asian airlines like All Nippon Airways, Japan Airlines, and Nippon Cargo Airlines.
However, beneath its surface lies a significant concern. Initially projected to settle gradually over five decades, stabilizing at an elevation of 13 feet above sea level to prevent flooding, the airport’s artificial islands reached this critical threshold in just six years. A substantial £117 million was then spent to reinforce the seawall, in an attempt to delay the inevitable submergence.
Constructed atop reclaimed land, the airport site required extensive fortification before supporting the weight of such a vast infrastructure. Despite efforts, including raising the terminal area with hydraulic jacks, the airport continues to sink. Engineers are troubled not only by the rate of descent but also by the unevenness of their submergence.
While Kansai International Airport remains crucial in connecting Osaka to the global sphere, accommodating over 26 million travelers in 2016 and ranking among Asia’s busiest airports, its future is uncertain. The sustainability of this sinking infrastructure and the potential hazards it poses are pressing concerns. As engineers grapple with the challenge, uncertainties cloud the fate of this once-iconic aviation marvel. The looming question persists: how long can the airport withstand the relentless pull of the sea before succumbing to its watery embrace?