OSAKA -- The Osaka Prefectural Government on Monday presented a draft to the leaders of 13 cities near the Kansai International Airport detailing its acceptance of new flight paths over land.
In the draft, the government said that the new routes are necessary to increase the airport's capacity and ensure future development of the Kansai area. The acceptance is contingent upon completion of special environmental measures proposed by the Transport Ministry.
Kaizuka Mayor Isamu Yoshimichi said the draft cannot be accepted immediately because of opposition from local residents. In 1981, the ministry promised that planes would not fly over land. "Many of us are worried about how to ensure the altitude of airplanes flying over land," he said. "Without any penalty, we don't think it is enough to release the names of airlines that do not observe designated altitudes and routes."