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Sinking Airport Faces Underwater Future
22 Jan
Summary
- Kansai Airport built on artificial island is sinking rapidly.
- Airport could be underwater by 2056 if current rate continues.
- Remarkably, airport has not lost any luggage in 30 years.
Kansai International Airport, a marvel of engineering built on an artificial island in Osaka Bay, is unexpectedly sinking.
Initially predicted to subside gradually, the airport has plunged much faster than anticipated, raising concerns about its long-term viability. Engineers are working to mitigate the sinking, which has been partially addressed by reinforcing the seawall.
Despite its precarious future, with forecasts suggesting it could fall below sea level by 2056, Kansai International Airport holds a unique distinction. For over three decades, it has achieved a perfect record in baggage handling, never misplacing a single piece of luggage.
This unparalleled success in baggage delivery has garnered numerous awards, highlighting a stark contrast between its operational excellence and its environmental challenges. The airport's vulnerability to storms, as seen in Typhoon Jebi in 2018, further underscores the complex situation.
