Haneda switch eases domestic connections

Japan's Haneda Airport yesterday opened a new international terminal and a fourth runway.

From October 31, 14 airlines, including Singapore Airlines, will operate regular international flights out of Haneda.

Haneda has been the main domestic airport serving Tokyo after international services were moved in 1978 to Narita Airport, an hour's drive from Tokyo.

In contrast, Haneda can be reached in just 13 minutes by express train from Tokyo's Shinagawa Station.

Haneda's links to 48 Japanese cities mean that transfers between domestic and international flights will become far less of a hassle.

At present, foreign visitors arriving at Narita have to make a nearly two-hour journey to Haneda to connect to a domestic flight.

AirAsia X is due to start services from Haneda in December.