Kansai International airport (KIX) reaches new milestone in its development with the inauguration of the completed international trade zone. This completion marks the conclusion of the extensive renovation and modernization project for Terminal 1, which began in 2021. This event coincides with the celebration of the 10th anniversary of the Kansai Airports concession, a subsidiary of VINCI Airports and ORIX, at KIX, a successful partnership that has transformed the airport into a leading global gateway.
The new retail area is located within an extension of the international departures area, which opened in December 2023. It comprises a total of 24 new retail outlets, including luxury brands, specialty shops offering popular regional products, and a variety of restaurants. It also features Japan's largest walk-through duty-free shop, providing passengers with an exceptional pre-departure shopping experience. With the opening of this area, the renovation of Terminal 1 at Kansai International airport is now fully completed. This project represented a 70-billion-yen total investment. The expansion of the international departures area increased the original surface area by 60%, thus strengthening the airport's operational capacity and attractiveness.
Since taking over the concession for Kansai International airport in 2016, VINCI Airports, alongside its partner ORIX, has actively supported the airport's development, modernization, and international reach. Driven by ambitious investments and the deployment of innovative technological solutions, these projects have significantly improved passenger journey and strengthened the airport's role. As a result, in 2025, Kansai International airport welcomed over 34 million passengers, confirming its status as a gateway to the Kansai region and the world.
Nicolas Notebaert, CEO of VINCI Concessions and Chairman of VINCI Airports, commented:As we celebrate the 10th anniversary of the concession for Kansai International airport, we are particularly proud of the progress made. Together with our partner, Orix, we have transformed this platform into a modern, attractive, and environmentally responsible international hub. VINCI Airports reaffirms its commitment to quality of service, operational performance, and the ecological transition. We will continue in this direction to connect the Kansai region to the world ever more effectively.”
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