The operator of Narita airport reached an agreement Tuesday with the Chiba Prefectural Government, local municipalities and the transport ministry on a plan to expand the hours for landings and takeoffs in bid to improve the facility's competitiveness as an international gateway.
Still, the agreement was reached despite concerns by some nearby residents about increased noise, .
It marks the first time the airport will extend the time allowed for incoming and outgoing flights since it opened 1978. On top of the 2½ hour extension, the parties also agreed to build a third runway at the airport.