Review of: Unexploded WWII Bomb Detonates at Miyazaki Airport, Causing Flight Cancellations

Crowd of travelers in airport terminal with airplane outside.

An unexpected blast from the past disrupted operations at a Japanese airport, as a World War II-era bomb detonated near the runway.

At a Glance

  • A WWII-era US bomb exploded at Miyazaki Airport in southwest Japan
  • The explosion created a 23-foot wide, 3-foot deep crater on a taxiway
  • No injuries were reported, but nearly 90 flights were canceled
  • The airport was originally a Japanese naval base during World War II
  • Unexploded ordnance remains a persistent threat in Japan

Unexpected Explosion Shakes Miyazaki Airport

On October 2, 2024, a World War II-era US bomb unexpectedly detonated near the runway at Miyazaki Airport in southwest Japan. The blast created a significant crater on a taxiway, measuring 23 feet in diameter and 3 feet deep. This sudden explosion led to the immediate shutdown of the runway and the cancellation of nearly 90 flights, causing widespread disruption to air travel in the region.

The affected flights, operated by major airlines such as Japan Airlines (JAL), All Nippon Airways (ANA), and regional carriers, typically connect Miyazaki with important domestic destinations like Tokyo, Osaka, and Fukuoka. Authorities are working diligently to repair the damage, with expectations that the crater will be filled by Thursday morning, allowing for the resumption of normal operations.

A Wartime Legacy Resurfaces

Miyazaki Airport’s history as a former Japanese naval base during World War II explains the presence of unexploded ordnance on its grounds. Originally serving as a flight training field for the Imperial Japanese Navy and a base for kamikaze pilots, the airport has since transitioned to civilian use. However, this incident highlights the persistent danger posed by remnants of the war era.

“Japan Airport Shut After World War II Bomb Explodes Near Runway, 87 Flights Canceled. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.”, South China Morning Post reported

A bomb disposal team confirmed that the explosion was indeed caused by an American bomb from a wartime air raid. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by Japan in dealing with unexploded ordnance from World War II. In 2023 alone, the Self-Defense Forces disposed of 2,348 bombs weighing a total of 37.5 tonnes, underscoring the scale of this enduring problem.

Miyazaki Airport: Past and Present

Today, Miyazaki Airport boasts a 2,500-meter runway and a single terminal handling both domestic and international flights. Major airlines operating from the airport include Japan Airlines, All Nippon Airways, and Solaseed Air, offering connections to key destinations within Japan as well as international routes to Taiwan and South Korea. This modern facility stands in stark contrast to its wartime origins, yet the recent explosion serves as a poignant reminder of the airport’s complex history.

As Japan continues to grapple with the remnants of its wartime past, incidents like the one at Miyazaki Airport highlight the importance of ongoing efforts to locate and safely dispose of unexploded ordnance. While the country has made significant progress in this area, the unexpected nature of this explosion demonstrates that vigilance remains crucial in ensuring public safety and preventing future disruptions to daily life and critical infrastructure.

Sources:

  1. Japan Airport Shut After World War II Bomb Explodes Near Runway, 87 Flights Cancelled
  1. American WWII bomb explodes at Japanese airport, causing large crater in taxiway
  1. U.S. bomb from WWII explodes at Japan’s Miyazaki airport
  1. Japan airport shut after likely WW2-era bomb explodes near runway, 87 flights cancelled
  1. Bomb dropped by U.S. in World War II explodes at airport in Japan, causing runway damage and cancellation of 80 flights
  1. World War II Bomb Dropped by U.S. Explodes at Japanese Airport
  1. U.S. bomb from World War II explodes at Japanese airport, causing large crater in taxiway
  1. World War II-era bomb buried for 80 years explodes at airport
  1. Japan Airport Closes After Suspected U.S. Bomb From World War II Explodes
  1. 87 Flights Canceled After a Literal WWII-Era Bomb Explodes at Japanese Airport