Kobe Airport Takes Off: International Flights Begin

Kobe Airport is set to commence international charter flight operations on April 18, 2025, marking a significant milestone in its expansion as a global gateway. Several airlines have announced new routes connecting Kobe to key international destinations with more regular flights and new international routes to be announced in the lead up to 2030.

・STARLUX Airlines: Starting April 18, STARLUX will operate flights between Kobe and Taiwan. The Kobe-Taipei (Taoyuan) route will have three round trips per week on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays, while the Kobe-Taichung route will offer daily round trips. Both routes will utilise the Airbus A321neo aircraft. ​

・EVA Air: Also launching on April 18, EVA Air will introduce flights from Taipei to Kobe. Initially, the airline will operate four round trips per week until April 27 to accommodate travellers attending Expo 2025 Osaka. From April 28 onward, the frequency will adjust to two round trips per week, on Mondays and Fridays.

・Korean Air: The airline plans to begin daily flights between Seoul (Incheon) and Kobe starting in the spring of 2025. The intended aircraft for this route is the Airbus A321neo or a similar model. ​

・Juneyao Airlines: The airline is preparing to launch daily flights connecting Kobe with Shanghai and Nanjing, further enhancing the airport's international connectivity.

With Kansai International Airport just 30 minutes from Kobe, the expansion of Kobe Airport will further solidify Kobe as one of Japan's most accessible destinations.