The number of nighttime flights by U.S. Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey aircraft at Air Station Futenma in Okinawa more than doubled in the year to the end of March from a year earlier, the Defense Ministry said.
Local residents have expressed concern over noise pollution and the risk of accidents involving the tilt-rotor aircraft, partly because of the proximity of the base to homes and a spate of accidents overseas involving the aircraft since its developmental stage.
Landings and takeoffs by the transport aircraft during the period from 10 p.m. to the morning totaled 137 in the year, compared with 60 the previous year, the ministry said Wednesday.