Nagoya Airfield
Nagoya Airfield, also known as Komaki Airport or Nagoya Airport, is located within the local government areas of Toyoyama, Komaki, Kasugai, and Nagoya in Aichi Prefecture, Japan. Initially an international airport, it now functions as a domestic secondary airport for Nagoya, with Chūbu Centrair International Airport serving as the primary civil airport for the area. The airfield is notable for being the main hub for Fuji Dream Airlines (FDA), the only airline that offers scheduled air service from this location. Additionally, it serves general aviation purposes and operates as an airbase.
The airfield’s terminal building houses the headquarters of the Mitsubishi Aircraft Corporation, and its parent company, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, has a facility adjacent to the airport where it produced the Mitsubishi Regional Jet aircraft.
Over time, the airfield has been known by several names. Officially recognized as “Nagoya Airfield” by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism since 2008, it was previously referred to as Nagoya Airport until the opening of Centrair in 2005. Locally, it is also called Komaki Airport, and the Aichi Prefectural Government, which owns the airport, nicknames it Prefectural Nagoya Airport. The Japan Self-Defense Forces also utilize part of the runway for the Japan Air Self-Defense Force Komaki Base.
The history of Nagoya Airport is rich, serving as Nagoya’s main airport until Centrair’s inauguration in 2005. Initially bearing the IATA Airport Code NGO and ICAO Airport Code RJNN, it transitioned to NKM for regional flights and RJNA for general aviation following the shift of commercial transport flights to Centrair. This move was driven by the need for a larger airport to accommodate the region’s growing automotive and manufacturing industries. Nagoya Airport faced limitations due to its residential location and insufficient cargo handling capacities.
Military history is also significant, with the airport initially opening in 1944 as Kamake Airfield for military use. Post-World War II, it was taken over by American occupation forces and renamed Nagoya Air Base, serving various roles until its return to Japanese control in 1958. In 2009, the 404th Tactical Airlift Tanker Squadron, equipped with Boeing KC-767J aircraft, was established at Komaki as the Japan Air Self-Defense Force’s first dedicated air-to-air refueling squadron.
Despite transitioning from an international hub to a secondary airport, Nagoya Airfield remains a critical part of Japan’s aviation landscape, serving commercial and military needs. Its history reflects the broader changes in Japan’s aviation industry and the strategic importance of Nagoya within that context.
Komaki Air Base Open Base 2024
The Japan Air Self-Defense Force’s Komaki Air Base in Komaki City, Aichi Prefecture, has announced its schedule and activities for the “Reiwa 5 Komaki Air Base Open Base,” which is set to take place on Sunday, March 3, 2024.
While this year’s event will not feature the renowned Blue Impulse flight exhibit, there will be a rich array of flight exhibitions showcasing the prowess of tactical transport aircraft, aerial refueling aircraft, rescue aircraft, and fighter jets between 09:00 to 11:30, and a disaster prevention and rescue helicopter display from 13:00 to 14:30. The ground exhibitions will provide an up-close look at the aircraft belonging to the Komaki Air Base, allowing visitors to gain a deeper appreciation for the technology and skill that define Japan’s aerial defense capabilities.
Adding to the excitement, the event includes several participatory activities such as an emergency evacuation experience aboard a KC-130H tactical transport aircraft, a unique tug-of-war with the very same aircraft, and the “Five Challenge,” where attendees can engage in five different missions for a chance to win prizes.
The usual food and drink stalls, live band performances, and additional attractions for kids include inflatables, rope ladder experiences, control simulators, and more.
Event Details:
- The event will run from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
- No Blue Impulse (aerobatic demonstration team) flight exhibit will occur this year.
- Flight exhibitions will feature aircraft from Komaki Air Base and ground displays.
Special Activities:
- Visitors can participate in an emergency evacuation experience by boarding a KC-130H tactical transport aircraft (*ground gliding only).
- There will be a tug-of-war competition involving the KC-130H.
- The “Five Challenge” event offers the chance to win prizes by completing five different missions.
- The emergency evacuation experience is available until all numbered tickets, distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, run out.
Exhibition Flight Schedule:
- 09:00-11:30: Tactical transport aircraft, aerial refueling aircraft, rescue aircraft, and fighter jets will be on display.
- 13:00-14:30: Disaster prevention and rescue helicopters will be exhibited.
Participatory Event Schedule:
- 12:30-14:30: KC-130H Emergency Evacuation Experience (Numbered tickets distributed from 8:30)
- Tug-of-war with KC-130H:
- 09:30-10:10
- 10:30-11:10
- 11:30-12:10
- 12:30-13:10
Visitor Information:
- No general car parking is available on the base, and visitors are encouraged to use public transportation.
- There is a bicycle parking area, but space is limited.
- A free shuttle bus will operate from the Meitetsu Komaki Station bus stop (Meitetsu Komaki Line) directly to Komaki Air Base. This direct shuttle service is exclusively available at Komaki Station.
Please note that the above schedule and activities are subject to change, and it is advisable to check for the latest information or any updates before the event.
Japan Air Self-Defense Force Komaki Base
1 Chome-1 Kasuganji, Komaki, Aichi 485-0025 (map)
0568762191
Image by kt_ps13qs (Own work) [CC BY-SA 2.0], via flickr.com (modified)