Key Facts
• April 10, 2026: Narita International Airport Corporation (NAA) held meetings with surrounding municipalities, Chiba Prefecture, and the national government in Narita City.
• NAA aims to proceed with forced expropriation under the Land Expropriation Act for runway land acquisition.
• Municipalities and prefecture insist on further explanations to remaining landowners before expropriation.
• NAA targets March 2029 for new runway expansion; B runway to open first in fiscal 2029.
• C runway acquisition efforts continue via voluntary purchase; forced expropriation under consideration.
• April 2, 2026: NAA reported expropriation plans to the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.
• Local leaders, including Shibayama Town Mayor Takayuki Aso, urge addressing landowner concerns sincerely.
• NAA President Naoki Fujii emphasizes ongoing discussions among stakeholders.
• Changes to airport function enhancement require approval from the four-party council formed in 2018.
• April 8, 2026: LDP’s Narita Airport Promotion Parliamentary Group proposed strengthening logistics and airport access.
• Local pro-expansion groups submitted requests for forced expropriation by April 9.
• Opposition groups criticize the plan, distributing leaflets against state violence at Keisei Narita Station on April 8.
Summary
Narita International Airport Corporation (NAA) is advancing plans to forcibly expropriate land for the new runway expansion at Narita Airport, aiming for partial runway operation by fiscal 2029. Despite NAA’s intent, local municipalities and Chiba Prefecture demand renewed, sincere explanations to remaining landowners to address their concerns before any expropriation proceeds. The plan faces mixed reactions: pro-expansion groups advocate for forced acquisition as a democratic decision after years of dialogue, while opposition factions strongly condemn the use of state power. The Liberal Democratic Party’s parliamentary group supports enhancing Narita’s role as an international logistics hub, pushing for government policy alignment. NAA stresses continued stakeholder discussions and prioritizes persuading landowners and explaining the B runway’s early use to local communities. Any changes to the airport’s enhancement plan require confirmation by the four-party council established in 2018, involving NAA, nine surrounding municipalities, the prefecture, and the national government.
