Summary

  • Osaka's two major airports, Kansai International Airport and Itami Airport, primarily serve international and domestic passengers, respectively.
  • Kansai International Airport is located further from downtown Osaka but offers better public transport connections. Itami Airport is closer to the city and is easily accessible by car or taxi.
  • Both airports offer a range of amenities, but Kansai has a larger scale and more diverse options, including more lounges and shops.

The Japanese city of Osaka is home to nearly 20 million people. Air service to one of the largest cities of the island country is done through two major airports, Osaka International Airport - Itami Airport (ITM) and Kansai International Airport (KIX). KIX serves a wide range of destinations across Asia-Pacific, Europe, North America, and the Middle East. On the other hand, ITM exclusively serves domestic lines across Japan and its islands.

A Japan Airlines aircraft being pulled behind an All Nippon Airways aircraft parked at Tokyo International Haneda Airport.
Photo: EQRoy | Shutterstock

Japan's two major carriers, Japan Airlines (JAL) and All Nippon Airways (ANA), serve both airports. However, most routes to and from ITM are operated by JAL, whereas both airlines dominate KIX. With commercial air travel recovering after the pandemic-related disruptions, the two airports are ready to serve domestic and international passengers. This article explores the location, routes, and amenities at the two airports while highlighting three key factors affecting the passenger experience at each.

Location

Kansai International Airport is located 28 miles south of Osaka on an artificial island that was purpose-built for the airport. Itami Airport is much closer to downtown Osaka, just 12 miles away. Kansai's unique construction can be seen in this video:

For passengers traveling by car or taxi to Kansai, journey times are in the region of 45–50 minutes, crossing the road bridge that connects the island to the mainland, while to Itami, it is a quick and easy 30-minute trip.

However, despite being further away, Kansai is better connected by public transport, with a direct train reaching the airport in just 50 minutes. No direct trains are serving Itami. Instead, passengers must take a 40-minute shuttle bus service, subject to traffic.

Route network

Although it is also known as Osaka International Airport, Itami Airport currently only serves domestic routes. JAL and ANA operate a robust domestic network, together with a handful of regional carriers. Popular destinations from Itami include Tokyo Haneda (HND), Sapporo (CTS), and Fukuoka (FUK).

A Cathay Pacific Airbus A350 on the apron at Kansai International Airport.
Photo: Phuong D. Nguyen | Shutterstock

Before Kansai International Airport opened its doors in 1994, Itami was the main international hub for the region and played host to the likes of British Airways, Pan Am, and Cathay Pacific. Nowadays, Kansai is home to all of Osaka's international traffic, with long-haul services, including Air France to Paris (CDG), Lufthansa to Munich (MUC), and United Airlines to San Francisco (SFO).

Following the pandemic, Kansai has rebuilt much of its international route network. In terms of connections to the Middle East, the airport is already served by Emirates, Etihad Airways began services to Abu Dhabi (AUH) in October, and Qatar Airways is due to resume flights to Doha (DOH) in March 2024. The airport is also connected to most major cities across the region by flag carriers and low-cost carriers alike.

An Etihad Airways Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner on an airport apron.
Photo: Phuong D. Nguyen | Shutterstock

However, despite only serving domestic destinations, Itami is still a busy airport. Japan is home to one of the world's largest domestic aviation markets, and pre-pandemic, Itami saw 16 million annual passengers, making it the seventh-busiest airport in the country. Thanks to the strength of Japan's domestic market throughout the pandemic, Itami actually saw more passengers than Kansai in both 2020 and 2021. However, that trend will likely reverse as international travel continues to recover.

Amenities

According to the airport's website, Itami boasts an impressive array of shops and restaurants, with numerous options for fine dining and fast food, as well as a convenience store. Thanks to their significant presence at Itami, Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airways have their lounges. The airport also has a basic pay-per-use lounge and a free observation deck from which passengers can view various aircraft, from the Airbus A320 to the Boeing 787.

Kansai Airport has many of the same shops and services as Itami but on a much larger scale. Unsurprisingly, Kansai Airport has far more lounges to match its diverse international route network. Korean Air, All Nippon Airways, and Japan Airlines have exclusive lounges at Kansai, along with several pay-per-use facilities.

Inside the check in area of Kansai International Airport.
Photo: glen photo | Shutterstock

For planespotters, the airport's SkyView Observation Hall is an ideal way to pass the time, with a much greater variety of airlines and aircraft on display than at Itami.

Which airport is better for passengers?

The answer is relatively straightforward and is dictated primarily by the type of trip. Itami Airport is probably the way to go for domestic passengers, with its convenient location close to downtown Osaka.

On the other hand, those flying internationally have no choice, with Kansai International Airport being their only option. Despite being further away from the city, Japan's efficient rail network ensures passengers can reach the airport in around 50 minutes. As a primary international gateway, Kansai also offers more extensive amenities.

Have you flown through Kansai or Itami airports before? Share your experience with us in the comments.