Around 7,000 travellers were stranded overnight at Tokyo’s Narita International Airport after record-breaking rain disrupted rail and road connections across Chiba prefecture.
The airport itself remained operational on Friday, 14 August. An airport spokesperson told Reuters that flights were scheduled to operate normally, although Japan Airlines warned that delays were possible.
For travellers arriving in Japan, the bigger problem may therefore be getting from Narita Airport to Tokyo.
Trains and roads around Narita were disrupted
More than 360mm of rain fell within 24 hours in parts of Chiba, flooding roads and railway lines on Thursday night.
Several train services were suspended. As of 2.12pm Japan time on Friday, JR East said the Narita Express was cancelled for the entire day because of the heavy rain.
Major highways in Chiba, including roads serving the airport, were also closed. According to highway operator NEXCO East, the closures diverted vehicles onto other roads and caused heavy traffic.
Travellers flying into Narita should check their airline’s flight status separately from rail and road conditions. A flight may operate as scheduled even when onward transport from the airport is limited.
At least four people have died
At least four deaths had been confirmed as of Friday, while one person remained missing, according to Reuters.
The severe weather inundated roads, caused widespread transport disruption and cut electricity to tens of thousands of homes. Japan’s authorities deployed soldiers to help with relief operations.
The rain had eased by Friday, but officials continued to warn that some rivers remained at risk of flooding.
Singapore travellers may also be affected
Narita is served by direct flights from Singapore, including Singapore Airlines services. The airline also operates a daily flight between Narita and Los Angeles.
Passengers travelling through Narita should check their flight directly with their airline before leaving for the airport. Those heading between Narita and Tokyo should also consult live updates from JR East, Keisei Electric Railway and the relevant bus or highway operator, as transport conditions may change during the day.
