New Tokyo International Airport in Narita, Chiba Prefecture, marks the 20th anniversary of its opening today, but a row with local landowners that began before the airport started operations continues to halt its planned expansion.
During a regular news conference, Transport Minister Takao Fujii reiterated the government's policy of dialogue with opponents of the expansion plan. "We continue to make the utmost efforts to resolve the land issue and let the airport coexist with local communities through dialogue. We hope to complete the second runway at Narita as soon as possible," Fujii said.
The ministry and the New Tokyo International Airport Authority set a goal of completing the construction of the second runway and related facilities by the end of fiscal 2000. The second runway will run parallel to the existing 4,000-meter runway.