Japan's Kobe Airport launches international charter flights

First Seoul flight is 98% booked, signaling robust demand

Kobe Airport, an offshore airport located off the coast of the city of Kobe, aims to launch regular international flights by around 2030. (Photo by Arisa Moriyama)

MUNEMASA HORIO and YUNA OSAWA

April 18, 2025 16:53 JST

KOBE, Japan -- Kobe Airport in western Japan started offering international charter services on Friday. Four airlines, from China, South Korea and Taiwan, will operate a total of 40 weekly flights connecting Kobe with five overseas cities.