Vinci Airports and Orix, the concession owners of Kansai International Airport in Japan, have begun the modernization of the airport’s Terminal 1, in what will be the largest works program since the airport opened in 1994.
The companies say the goal of the revamp is to create greater capacity and improve the passenger experience without building a new terminal, using an approach based on optimizing existing spaces to fit with Vinci Airports’ environmental objectives. The works will involve enlarging and completely renovating the airport’s international passenger security controls, boarding, departures, retail spaces and arrivals.
Vinci says that when finished, the terminal will showcase the architecture of the original building, designed by Renzo Piano, and new technologies will optimize flows and enhance the passenger experience. Domestic passengers will also benefit from a new, more functional and compact space with a broader range of services and retail offerings available right up to the boarding point.
Nicolas Notebaert, CEO of Vinci Concessions and president of Vinci Airports, commented, “Modernization of Kansai International Airport will act as a source of growth and enhance the attractiveness of the region. As a long-term partner working with the Japanese authorities, Vinci Airports is proud to stand alongside them in this new phase of improvements that will make the airport even more effective, sustainable and innovative.”