Japanese Airport Reopens After World War II Bomb Explosion Near Runway

On Wednesday, October 2, 2024, Miyazaki Airport in southwestern Japan was forced to shut down its operations following the unexpected explosion of an unexploded U.S. bomb from World War II. The blast occurred near the runway, causing significant disruptions to air travel.

The explosion happened shortly before 8 a.m. local time on the taxiway, creating a large crater measuring about 7 meters long, 4 meters wide, and 1 meter deep. Fortunately, no one was injured in the incident, despite the close proximity of several flights to the blast site. A Japan Airlines flight with 93 people on board had passed the site just a few minutes before the explosion.

Impact on Flights and Operations

The incident led to the cancellation of 87 flights, affecting nearly 3,400 passengers. The flights were operated by Japan Airlines, All Nippon Airways, and other airlines, connecting Miyazaki with major cities such as Tokyo, Osaka, and Fukuoka. The closure of the runway resulted in some passengers extending their stay in the area due to the flight cancellations.

The airport resumed operations on Thursday morning, with the first flight, a Japan Airlines plane to Fukuoka, departing at around 7:40 a.m. local time. The transport ministry and local authorities ensured that the necessary repairs were completed to fill the crater and make the runway safe for use again.

Investigation and Historical Context

An investigation by Japan's Self-Defense Forces and local authorities confirmed that the explosion was caused by a 500-pound (approximately 250kg) American bomb that had been buried underground since World War II. The bomb was likely a remnant of wartime air raids aimed at disrupting Japanese military operations, including the base at Miyazaki Airport which served as a naval base for the Imperial Japanese Navy and was a launch point for 'kamikaze' pilots.

This incident highlights the ongoing issue of unexploded ordnance in Japan, with hundreds of tons of bombs still buried across the country. In recent years, several unexploded bombs have been discovered at Miyazaki Airport and other locations, including construction sites. In fiscal year 2023, the Self-Defense Forces disposed of 2,348 bombs weighing 37.5 tonnes.

The explosion also brought to light the historical significance of Miyazaki Airport, which was a key base for the Japanese military during World War II. The airport's history is closely tied to the 'kamikaze' pilots who embarked on their final missions from this base.

For more information on the history of kamikaze pilots and their role in World War II, you can explore further resources.

Learn More at Direct Post.