KANSAI- The final phase of the refurbished Kansai International Airport (KIX) Terminal 1 opened on March 27, 2025. This renovation will help the airport handle the millions of visitors expected for the World Expo in Osaka.
Kansai Airports (KIX) and design firm Populous worked for more than 7 years to redesign the airport’s floor plan, creating a more efficient experience for travelers to western Japan.
Kansai Airport Redesigned Terminal 1 Opens
Brett Wightman, Senior Principal and Director at Populous, explained that the redesign aimed to make the best use of existing infrastructure while increasing commercial return for Kansai Airports (KIX).
“We worked closely with facility operators, key stakeholders and end users, along with retail and planning experts. Our design focuses on operational functionality, passenger convenience, accessibility and sustainability. We created innovative solutions that make an authentic environment with a clear sense of place.”
Brett Wightman, Senior Principal and Director, Populous
The new Terminal 1 includes a 60% larger international departure lounge and more shops. It features innovative retail layouts based on passenger experiences and creates a smooth processing experience.
Four-Phase Renovation
Populous led the architecture and interior design of the redevelopment and oversaw the project during construction. Mr. Wightman noted that the design considered how the airport would function during renovation.
The project was completed in 4 phases to allow the airport to keep operating. KIX expects to handle more than 40 million passengers a year from 2025 and nearly double its international capacity.
In October 2022, KIX opened the new Phase 1 domestic area, followed by the new international area. Phase 2 finished in December 2023, adding 6,650 square meters of airside shops, 1,130 square meters of food and beverage space, and a new central immigration area.
Populous and Kansai Airports completed Phase 3 on March 27, 2025, consolidating and extending the security screening area before the World Expo 2025 begins in April in Osaka.
New Security System
Phase 3 includes faster, more comfortable security inspections with additional smart lanes that can process between 4,500 and 6,000 passengers per hour.
The new queuing system is the first of its kind in Japan. It automatically controls gates to switch waiting lines using real-time passenger flow data. This system guides passengers to security lanes based on the number of people and their movement.
A new commercial area includes 13 stores across international departures, international arrivals, and a street food court.
The project has already gained recognition as a finalist in the 2023 World Architecture Festival Awards for Future Projects – Infrastructure!
Looking Forward
Originally designed by Italian architect Renzo Piano, the airport is considered an architectural landmark. Known as part of the high-tech architecture movement of the 1990s, KIX features an industrial design with an asymmetrical sweeping roof. At 1.7km long, it ranks as one of the world’s longest airport terminal buildings.
Jack Kato, Principal Design Manager and Architect explained the challenge of respecting the original design while creating new opportunities for passengers.
“We moved away from the old grey color scheme, refreshing interior spaces with natural materials to give the terminal a Japanese feel. At the same time, we opened up areas like the relocated immigration hall to create an open space that reflects the original architecture and offers an inspiring arrival experience,” said Mr. Kato.
“This transformation makes the arrival part of each journey something truly special.”
Jack Kato, Principal Design Manager and Architect
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