Miyazaki Airport in southwestern Japan resumed operations on Thursday morning, a day after it was forced to shut down following the explosion of an undetonated World War II bomb. The explosion damaged a section of the airport’s taxiway, leading to the cancellation of dozens of flights and a full safety inspection of the site.
The incident occurred on Wednesday at around 8 a.m. local time when a blast was heard on the airport’s taxiway. Air traffic controllers observed smoke rising from the site shortly after the explosion, which left an oval-shaped crater measuring approximately 7 meters in length, 4 meters in width, and 1 meter in depth. The blast occurred on the asphalt pavement near the taxiway, causing significant disruption but fortunately no injuries.
In response, the airport was immediately closed, and all flights were canceled as authorities moved in to investigate the cause. By 2 p.m. local time on Wednesday, a total of 87 flights to and from Miyazaki Airport had been canceled. Japan’s Self-Defense Forces and local authorities determined that the explosion was caused by a 500-pound bomb, believed to have been dropped during World War II. The unexploded ordnance, or “dud,” had remained buried in the area for decades before detonating.
Following the closure, safety inspections were carried out to ensure the airport was secure for operations. On Thursday morning, a Japan Airlines flight bound for Fukuoka became the first to depart after operations resumed at around 7:40 a.m. local time.
The transport ministry office at Miyazaki Airport released a statement confirming that the situation was under control, and normal airport activities had resumed. Officials reiterated that there had been no casualties and thanked the public for their patience during the disruption.
Japan, having been heavily bombed during World War II, continues to occasionally encounter unexploded ordnance, particularly in regions that were targeted during the conflict. Authorities regularly conduct safety drills and have protocols in place for dealing with such incidents. The successful reopening of Miyazaki Airport underscores the efficiency of these measures and highlights the continued efforts to ensure public safety in areas where remnants of the war still pose potential risks.
While rare, incidents like the one at Miyazaki Airport serve as a reminder of Japan’s wartime history and the ongoing work needed to address its legacy.
