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Narita International Airport

Narita International Airport (IATA: NRT, ICAO: RJAA) is an international airport in Narita, Chiba Prefecture, Japan.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Narita International Airport (IATA: NRT, ICAO: RJAA) is an international airport in Narita, Chiba Prefecture, Japan. It is one of the two main airports serving the Greater Tokyo Area and has long functioned as a major gateway for international travel to and from Japan.

History

Narita International Airport opened in 1978 as New Tokyo International Airport. The airport's current name reflects its location in Narita, Chiba Prefecture.

Location and role

Narita is situated roughly 50 to 60 km east of central Tokyo and serves the Greater Tokyo Area together with Haneda Airport. It is the main long-haul and international gateway for many travelers to Japan.

Operations and facilities

The airport has three terminals and supports extensive international passenger and cargo operations. Official Japanese government sources describe it as a major center for international air traffic in Japan.

Airlines and traffic

Narita serves numerous international routes and is used by major Japanese and foreign airlines. It is especially important for international transfer traffic and cargo handling.

Key facts

  • Narita International Airport is located in Narita, Chiba Prefecture, about 60 km east of Tokyo.
  • It opened in 1978 and was originally called New Tokyo International Airport.
  • It is one of the two main airports serving the Greater Tokyo Area, alongside Haneda Airport.
  • The airport has three terminals and handles a large share of Japan's international passenger and cargo traffic.
  • Narita is a major hub for international flights into and out of Japan.
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Canadian context

Narita International Airport is relevant to Canadian readers as a major gateway for flights between Canada and Japan, especially for travel connections through Tokyo.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Narita International Airport located?
It is located in Narita, Chiba Prefecture, Japan, about 60 km east of Tokyo.
What is the airport code for Narita International Airport?
Its IATA code is NRT and its ICAO code is RJAA.
When did Narita International Airport open?
It opened in 1978.
Was Narita International Airport always called Narita International Airport?
No. It was originally called New Tokyo International Airport.
How many terminals does Narita International Airport have?
It has three terminals.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Narita_International_Airport
    Supports: IATA/ICAO codes, location, former name, role serving Greater Tokyo Area
  2. Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (Japan) — https://www.mlit.go.jp/koku/15_hf_000032.html
    Supports: Major international airport in Japan, passenger and cargo significance, location relative to Tokyo
  3. Tokyo Convention & Visitors Bureau — https://www.gotokyo.org/en/plan/airport-access/narita-airport/index.html
    Supports: Opened in 1978, location approximately 50-60 km from central Tokyo
  4. Japan Guide — https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2027.html
    Supports: Location, role alongside Haneda, three terminals, former name
  5. Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (Japan) — https://www.mlit.go.jp/tagengo-db/en/H30-00443.html
    Supports: International connections, passenger volume, tourism and facilities