Haneda Airport expanded new international terminal on Oct 21

Haneda Airport has started the operation of new International Terminal since Oct 21.

Haneda was used to be the sole international airport in Tokyo area.

But when it came to its maximum capacity of the flight arrival/departure, the residence near Haneda airport refused to expand its facilities.

Then Narita Air Port was opened in 1978. But many protesters to the Narita Airport continued to protest to its operation plan, the further expansion plan of Narita was difficult to be executed.

(this protests was a very famous riots along with the movements of the socialists since 1960s.)

Then, Haneda came back as International Airport by expanding its new international terminal.

As many complained that Narita Airport is too far from Tokyo city area, this Haneda expansion was welcomed so much by many Tokyo area residents because this new expansion will give more convinient access to Tokyo city area, roughly 40 min to Shiodome JR railway station.

(still Narita is in operation, so we should make sure which Tokyo Airport the flight you ride would arrive.)