VINCI Airports Transforms Kansai International Ahead of Expo 2025
With the clock ticking down to Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan, Kansai International Airport (KIX) has undergone a transformative expansion and modernisation of its Terminal 1, marking a new era for one of Asia’s most strategic aviation hubs.
The revamp couldn’t be better timed, as the airport prepares to welcome millions of international visitors during the six-month World Expo event. Now boasting an increased capacity of 40 million passengers per year, KIX stands ready to serve as a modern, sustainable, and experience-driven gateway to Japan and the wider Kansai region.
VINCI Airports, in partnership with Japanese financial powerhouse ORIX, commemorated the 30th anniversary of KIX with a ceremonial celebration attended by Japanese State Minister for Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, Yasushi Furukawa; Nicolas Notebaert, CEO of VINCI Concessions and Chairman of VINCI Airports; and ORIX’s CEO Makoto Inoue.
Strategic Upgrades for Expo 2025
Originally opened in 1994, Kansai International Airport has evolved into a vital hub connecting Japan to the global stage. With over 30.6 million passengers passing through its gates in 2024 alone, the upgrade of Terminal 1 represents a bold stride towards future-readiness.
The terminal transformation included:
- Expanding capacity to 40 million passengers per year.
- Developing premium retail spaces, including Japan’s largest walk-through duty-free zone.
- Launching one of the world’s largest business and premium lounges (seating over 1,000 passengers with family-oriented services).
With Expo 2025 expecting around 28 million visitors, KIX is primed to be a key entry point for international travellers seeking a seamless, comfortable and memorable arrival into Japan. “We are excited to welcome the world to Kansai for Expo 2025!” said Nicolas Notebaert. “With our partners, we’ve shown how innovation and environmental transition can go hand-in-hand with airport modernisation.”
Elevating Passenger Experience Through Innovation
For VINCI Airports, enhancing operational efficiency and the passenger journey isn’t just a checkbox—it’s a core philosophy.
The Terminal 1 upgrade saw cutting-edge innovations designed to streamline passenger flow and minimise friction.
Highlights include:
- Self-service shared airline baggage drop zones.
- 10 next-generation security lanes, featuring AI-enhanced screening tech.
- Rapid immigration via eGates—some of the fastest globally.
- A smart ‘call to gate’ system that improves comfort and gate allocation.
The result? A staggering 95% of passengers clear security in under five minutes—demonstrating VINCI’s commitment to operational excellence. From digital infrastructure to personal comfort, every detail has been curated to provide a best-in-class experience.
Retail, Relaxation and Revenue: A Commercial Makeover
KIX’s retail transformation is nothing short of impressive. Passengers now move through an immersive commercial journey—from high-end fashion to traditional Japanese souvenirs—reflecting both local culture and global trends.
Duty-free shopping isn’t an afterthought here; it’s a central feature. The expansive walk-through layout encourages exploration, while the premium lounge experience caters to business travellers and families alike.
These spaces don’t just boost passenger satisfaction—they generate serious revenue. VINCI Airports has long championed the idea that a positive airport experience directly impacts bottom-line results, and Kansai is a case in point.
Driving Sustainability with Ambition and Action
While expansion and passenger comfort make headlines, it’s the environmental initiatives that truly set KIX apart.
VINCI Airports has committed to achieving net-zero emissions (Scopes 1 and 2) across its global network by 2050. Kansai is already leading the charge.
Sustainability initiatives include:
- Electrification of airport vehicles, including fuel cell and electric options.
- On-site solar power generation—KIX now boasts the largest airport-based solar capacity in Japan.
- Creation of marine seagrass meadows as natural carbon sinks.
- Energy efficiency upgrades across infrastructure.
The airport has achieved Level 4 certification from the ACI’s Airport Carbon Accreditation programme—putting it among the world’s most eco-conscious airports.
KIX isn’t stopping there. Plans are underway to kickstart Japan’s first large-scale commercial production of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) right on site. What’s more, a ground-breaking partnership with Airbus is exploring the integration of hydrogen-powered aircraft—making Kansai the first Japanese airport to plan for this next-gen technology.
Strengthening Regional Connectivity
VINCI Airports’ involvement since 2016 has brought tangible benefits not just for KIX, but for the entire Kansai region. By strengthening the airport’s global reach, the consortium has improved Osaka’s and the surrounding area’s attractiveness for tourism, business, and investment.
Through airline partnerships, route expansions and operational upgrades, KIX is now one of the most important aviation hubs in Asia. The benefits ripple outwards—supporting local economies, creating jobs, and boosting infrastructure development.
Taking Off into a Brighter Future
As the countdown to Expo 2025 continues, Kansai International Airport stands as a testament to what can be achieved when global expertise meets local ambition. With cutting-edge technology, a strong sustainability ethos, and a focus on comfort and efficiency, KIX isn’t just ready for the world—it’s redefining what modern airports should aspire to.
For travellers, the Expo offers a chance to witness Japan’s innovation first-hand. For the region, it’s an opportunity to shine. And for VINCI Airports, it’s another proud chapter in a global journey towards smarter, greener, more connected aviation infrastructure.
