Japan’s Miyazaki Airport shuts after WWII-era bomb explosion; 87 flights cancelled

In a recent update, Miyazaki Airport, a regional airport in Japan, has been shut after a World War II-era US bomb exploded in proximity to its runway. The incident that took place on Wednesday has led to the cancellation of 87 flights. The bomb, likely dropped during efforts to stop "kamikaze" attacks, has caused enough damage at the airport by creating a 23 feet wide and 3 feet deep crater right in the centre of a taxiway. The details of the incident were shared by an official from Japan’s Ministry of Transport.

A bomb disposal unit from the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force has confirmed the news about the explosion. They have said that the explosion happened by an American bomb buried beneath the surface, likely from a wartime air raid. However, the good thing is that no one was hurt.

But because of the explosion, the airport has forced the closure of the runway and resulted in the grounding of 87 flights. These flights, operated by Japan Airlines (JAL), All Nippon Airways (ANA), and other carriers, connect Miyazaki to cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Fukuoka.

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According to Yoshimasa Hayashi, Japan’s top government spokesperson, repair work to fill the crater would be completed by Thursday morning, ensuring no further risks of explosions.
More about Miyazaki Airport
Miyazaki Airport is set on the southeast end of Kyushu island. It was originally a Japanese navy base during World War II and was notably used for launching kamikaze missions, where young pilots embarked on suicide missions for the Japanese empire. The airport’s historical connection to the war has led to the discovery of multiple unexploded bombs in the area over the years.

Apparently, World War II ended more than 79 years ago. But remnants of the intense airstrikes across Japan keep surfacing occasionally. The Self-Defense Forces reported that during the fiscal year 2023 alone, they disposed of 2,348 bombs, weighing a total of 41 tons. Despite the war being long over, these relics serve as a reminder of the conflict's enduring impact on the country.

However, there’s no immediate threat and things will get normal soon.