Kansai International Airport’s Refurbished Terminal 1 Opens Ahead of World Expo 2025
Kansai International Airport (KIX) has finally opened its refurbished Terminal 1, marking a significant milestone for the airport ahead of World Expo 2025 in Osaka. The revamped terminal, designed by global design firm Populous, offers an enhanced passenger experience and increased efficiency for travelers. A New Era of Efficiency and Experience
Kansai Airports and Populous have been working together for over seven years to reimagine the airport’s floor plan. The result is a revamped terminal that combines operational functionality, passenger convenience, accessibility, and sustainability. The new terminal features a 60% increase in the size of the international departure lounge and retail offerings, as well as innovative retail layouts based on passenger experiences. Innovative Retail Layouts
The new retail spaces are designed to provide a seamless processing experience for passengers. The layout is based on the specific needs and preferences of each passenger group, ensuring a personalized experience. For example, the international departure lounge features a range of luxury retail stores, while the domestic area offers a more laid-back shopping experience. A New Security Checkpoint
The refurbished terminal also features a new security checkpoint, designed to be faster, more comfortable, and more efficient. The checkpoint is equipped with advanced smart lanes that can process up to 6,000 passengers per hour. The new queuing management system automatically controls flapper gates to switch waiting lines based on real-time passenger flow data, ensuring a smooth and stress-free experience for passengers. Respecting the Past, Embracing the Future
The design team, led by Populous, made a conscious effort to respect the original architecture of the terminal while also embracing new commercial opportunities for passengers. The result is a distinctly Japanese feel, with a palette of natural materials and open spaces that evoke the spirit of the original building. Awards and Recognition
The refurbished terminal has already received recognition for its architectural vision, with the project being shortlisted for the 2023 World Architecture Festival Awards for Future Projects Infrastructure. A New Chapter for KIX
The opening of the refurbished Terminal 1 marks a significant milestone for KIX, which is expected to accommodate over 40 million passengers per year from 2025. The terminal’s new design and facilities are expected to transform the arrival experience for passengers, providing an inspirational and memorable journey. Awards and Recognition
The Populous Team’s Vision
“Working closely with the facility operators, key stakeholders and end users, as well as expert retail and planning consultants, we have been able to craft a design that is built upon operational functionality, passenger convenience, accessibility and sustainability, while delivering innovative solutions that create an authentic and experiential environment with a clearly defined spirit of place,”
— Brett Wightman, Populous Senior Principal and Director
A New Era of Travel
The refurbished Terminal 1 is a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation in transforming the travel experience. As the airport prepares to host the World Expo 2025 in Osaka, the new terminal is expected to play a critical role in providing an exceptional experience for millions of passengers. Awards and Recognition
Key Features of the Refurbished Terminal 1
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| 60% increase in international departure lounge and retail offerings | A new level of convenience and comfort for international travelers |
| Innovative retail layouts based on passenger experiences | A personalized shopping experience for each passenger group |
| New security checkpoint with advanced smart lanes | A faster, more comfortable, and more efficient security experience |
| New queuing management system | A seamless processing experience for passengers |
| Thirteen new stores across international departures, arrivals, and a street food court | A range of shopping options for passengers |
A New Era of Travel
The refurbished Terminal 1 is a significant milestone for Kansai International Airport, marking a new era of efficiency, convenience, and sustainability. Awards and Recognition
KIX’s Asymmetrical Clear-Span Aerofoil Roofline
The refurbished Terminal 1 is a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation in transforming the travel experience.
