The main terminal building at Kansai International Airport opened in 1994. Designed by Renzo Piano, its designed in the shape of a wing.
Built on a man-made island, at the staggering cost 0f 15 billion dollars, the terminal feels light and airy and spacious, and this is somewhat due to the design, but also due to the fact that it is not a very busy airport.
Landing fees are very high, and with the recent increase in fuel costs the number of flights continue to decrease. Though I don't travel often, I have spent a lot of time in airports, and KIX, is the most comfortable I've encountered yet.
Giant funnels blow air up to the roof, and the air then circulates naturally, driving giant mobiles.
I've spent several nights at KIX waiting for early morning flights, and it's been very comfortable. Everything closes down for the night except a new 24-hour Internet cafe, The Kankyu Lounge.
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To be precise KIX opened on September 4th., 1994. I flew in there with the first JAL flight 113. The first day, the airport was exclusively for passengers and reporters but it was so crowded.
ReplyDeleteKen
Hi Ken
ReplyDeleteYou must be rich to be able to afford JAL prices :)