Japan’s Kansai International Airport, once hailed as an engineering marvel, is now grappling with a persistent and serious challenge, it is slowly sinking into the sea. Built on two manmade islands in Osaka Bay, the airport is facing faster-than-expected subsidence, raising concerns about its long-term sustainability.
Engineers initially estimated that the airport would sink by about 13 feet over 50 years. But since construction began in 1987, the site has already sunk more than 42 feet, far surpassing projections.
According to a report by The Independent, the main reason for the problem lies in the airport’s foundation. Kansai was constructed on soft alluvial clay that compresses under the immense weight of the artificial islands. Although engineers used sand drains and other reinforcements to manage the sinking, the land began settling faster than expected, even before the airport opened in 1994.
At one point during construction, the land sank by 27 feet in just three years. Over time, advanced techniques and reinforcement work have slowed the pace. By 2008, the annual rate of subsidence had decreased to 2.8 inches, and by 2023, it dropped further to 2.3 inches. However, engineers warn that parts of the airport could fall below sea level by 2056 if the trend continues.
Kansai handles nearly 26 million passengers annually and was named the world’s best airport for luggage handling in 2024. Despite its operational success, natural threats continue to pose risks. In 2018, Typhoon Jebi flooded the airport’s runways and damaged its bridge to the mainland, leaving thousands of passengers stranded.
In response to such incidents, authorities raised the seawall by 2.7 meters and invested around £112 million in reinforcements. Yet, concerns persist. Experts say climate change, rising sea levels, and seismic activity could accelerate the challenges ahead.
Kansai Airport was originally designed to address congestion at Osaka’s main airport and avoid disrupting urban neighbourhoods. The ambitious offshore location made it a global example of innovation. But decades later, engineers admit that the natural forces beneath the surface remain stronger than anticipated.
While Kansai continues to operate and serve millions, the question now is how long it can hold its ground, literally.
Engineers initially estimated that the airport would sink by about 13 feet over 50 years. But since construction began in 1987, the site has already sunk more than 42 feet, far surpassing projections.
According to a report by The Independent, the main reason for the problem lies in the airport’s foundation. Kansai was constructed on soft alluvial clay that compresses under the immense weight of the artificial islands. Although engineers used sand drains and other reinforcements to manage the sinking, the land began settling faster than expected, even before the airport opened in 1994.
At one point during construction, the land sank by 27 feet in just three years. Over time, advanced techniques and reinforcement work have slowed the pace. By 2008, the annual rate of subsidence had decreased to 2.8 inches, and by 2023, it dropped further to 2.3 inches. However, engineers warn that parts of the airport could fall below sea level by 2056 if the trend continues.
Kansai handles nearly 26 million passengers annually and was named the world’s best airport for luggage handling in 2024. Despite its operational success, natural threats continue to pose risks. In 2018, Typhoon Jebi flooded the airport’s runways and damaged its bridge to the mainland, leaving thousands of passengers stranded.
In response to such incidents, authorities raised the seawall by 2.7 meters and invested around £112 million in reinforcements. Yet, concerns persist. Experts say climate change, rising sea levels, and seismic activity could accelerate the challenges ahead.
Kansai Airport was originally designed to address congestion at Osaka’s main airport and avoid disrupting urban neighbourhoods. The ambitious offshore location made it a global example of innovation. But decades later, engineers admit that the natural forces beneath the surface remain stronger than anticipated.
While Kansai continues to operate and serve millions, the question now is how long it can hold its ground, literally.
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