NARITA, Chiba Pref. -- A ceremony to mark the opening of a controversial second runway at New Tokyo International Airport was held here Wednesday with transport minister Chikage Ogi and other dignitaries attending.

The 2,180-meter strip supplements the existing 4,000-meter runway. It was originally expected to be 2,500 meters long, but strong opposition from local farmers and their supporters forced its shortening.

A Japan Airlines charter flight for Kagoshima christened the new runway, airport officials said.