Select Language

Why is Kansai International Airport Slowly Disappearing into the Sea?

Japan’s Kansai International Airport (KIX) is a symbol of engineering brilliance—but it’s also slowly sinking. Built on an artificial island, this global aviation hub is battling natural forces, with parts of it descending deeper into the sea each year.

Why is Kansai Airport Sinking?
KIX was constructed on soft alluvial clay, which compresses over time. Despite advanced engineering techniques, the airport’s two man-made islands have been sinking since their inception:
Original Island: Sunk 12.5 feet since 1994.
Second Island (Expansion): Dropped a shocking 57 feet since construction.
Recent reports indicate subsidence continues, though at a slower rate of less than 10 cm per year.

The Typhoon That Exposed Its Weakness
In 2018, Typhoon Jebi—Japan’s worst storm in 25 years—flooded the airport, cutting power and stranding 5,000 passengers. Critical underground facilities were submerged, proving how vulnerable the structure is to extreme weather.

Can the Airport Be Saved?
Engineers have spent over $150 million reinforcing sea walls and monitoring subsidence. While experts admit some design flaws, they believe the airport can survive—but at a high cost.
Lessons for Future Projects
Other offshore airports, like Chubu Centrair, have learned from KIX’s mistakes, experiencing far less sinking. Kansai’s struggle serves as a critical case study for future mega-infrastructure projects.

Why is This Important for Exams?
Engineering & Environmental Challenges: A real-world example of how human-made structures interact with natural forces.
Disaster Management: Highlights the risks of poor planning in critical infrastructure.
Geography & Urban Planning: Relevant for competitive exams like UPSC, SSC, PSC, and design entrances (NID, NIFT, FDDI).

Sample Questions & Answers
Q1. Why is Kansai International Airport sinking?
Ans: It was built on soft alluvial clay, which compresses over time, causing gradual subsidence.
Q2. How much has the second island of KIX sunk since construction?
Ans: A staggering 57 feet, much more than the original island.
Q3. What natural disaster exposed KIX’s vulnerability in 2018?
Ans: Typhoon Jebi, which flooded the airport and stranded thousands.
Q4. What measures have been taken to slow down the sinking?
Ans: Over $150 million spent on raising sea walls and continuous monitoring.
Q5. Name another Japanese airport that learned from KIX’s mistakes.
Ans: Chubu Centrair, which has experienced minimal subsidence.