Where is hnd airport

Content on WhatAnswers is provided "as is" for informational purposes. While we strive for accuracy, we make no guarantees. Content is AI-assisted and should not be used as professional advice.

Last updated: April 8, 2026

Quick Answer: HND Airport is Tokyo International Airport, located in Ōta, Tokyo, Japan, approximately 14 kilometers (8.7 miles) south of Tokyo Station. It opened in 1931 as Haneda Airport and handled over 87 million passengers in 2019, making it one of the busiest airports in Asia.

Key Facts

HND Airport is located in Ōta, Tokyo, Japan, about 14 km (8.7 mi) south of Tokyo Station
The airport opened in 1931 and was originally called Haneda Airport
In 2019, HND handled over 87 million passengers, ranking it among the world's busiest airports
HND has three passenger terminals and two runways, with Terminal 3 opening in 2010
The airport serves as a major hub for Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airways

Overview

Tokyo International Airport, commonly known as Haneda Airport (HND), is one of Japan's primary aviation gateways and a crucial transportation hub in the Greater Tokyo Area. Located in Ōta, Tokyo, this airport has evolved from a modest airfield into a world-class facility serving millions of passengers annually. Its strategic position just 14 kilometers south of Tokyo Station makes it exceptionally convenient for both domestic and international travelers accessing Japan's capital city.

The airport's history dates back to 1931 when it opened as Haneda Airport, initially serving as Tokyo's main commercial airport. During World War II, it operated as a military base before returning to civilian use in the postwar period. A significant transformation occurred in 2010 with the opening of the International Terminal, which dramatically expanded HND's global connectivity and positioned it as a competitive alternative to Narita International Airport for international flights.

How It Works

HND Airport operates as a sophisticated transportation hub with multiple terminals and runways designed to handle high passenger volumes efficiently.

Terminal Infrastructure: HND features three passenger terminals - Terminal 1, Terminal 2, and the International Terminal (Terminal 3). Terminal 3, opened in 2010, specifically handles international flights and includes a 300-meter long Edo Market shopping area that recreates traditional Japanese street scenes. The terminals are connected by a free shuttle bus that operates 24/7, with transfer times averaging 7-10 minutes between terminals.
Runway Configuration: The airport operates with two parallel runways (16R/34L and 16L/34R) and a shorter crosswind runway (04/22). The main runways measure 3,000 meters (9,843 feet) and 3,000 meters respectively, capable of handling large aircraft including Airbus A380s and Boeing 747s. In 2019, HND recorded approximately 379,000 aircraft movements, demonstrating its high operational capacity.
Transportation Connectivity: Multiple transportation options connect HND to central Tokyo, including the Tokyo Monorail (which takes 13-20 minutes to Hamamatsuchō Station) and Keikyu Railway lines. The airport also features direct highway access via the Bayshore Route of the Shuto Expressway, with taxi services available 24/7. An automated people mover system connects all terminals internally.
Airline Operations: HND serves as a primary hub for Japan Airlines (JAL) and All Nippon Airways (ANA), which together account for approximately 70% of the airport's traffic. The airport hosts over 50 airlines operating flights to more than 50 international destinations and all major domestic airports in Japan. In 2023, HND handled approximately 3.2 million tons of cargo in addition to passenger traffic.

Key Comparisons

Feature	Haneda Airport (HND)	Narita Airport (NRT)
Location & Distance to Tokyo	Ōta, Tokyo (14 km/8.7 mi from Tokyo Station)	Narita, Chiba (60 km/37 mi from Tokyo Station)
Passenger Traffic (2019)	87.1 million passengers	44.1 million passengers
Primary Function	Domestic & International hub with 24-hour operations	Primarily International with limited domestic flights
Transport Time to Central Tokyo	20-30 minutes via monorail or train	60-90 minutes via Narita Express or train
Runways	3 runways (2 parallel, 1 crosswind)	2 parallel runways
Cargo Volume (2023)	3.2 million tons	2.3 million tons

Why It Matters

Economic Impact: HND generates substantial economic activity, contributing approximately ¥5.3 trillion ($35 billion) annually to Japan's economy through direct operations, tourism, and related industries. The airport employs over 80,000 people directly and supports hundreds of thousands of indirect jobs in transportation, hospitality, and retail sectors throughout the Tokyo metropolitan area.
Tourism Gateway: As Japan's busiest airport, HND serves as the primary entry point for millions of international visitors, handling over 50% of Tokyo's international passenger traffic. In 2023, the airport welcomed approximately 25 million international travelers, playing a crucial role in Japan's tourism industry which generated ¥5.3 trillion in economic impact that year.
Transportation Efficiency: HND's proximity to central Tokyo reduces travel time significantly compared to alternatives, saving travelers an average of 60-90 minutes per trip. This efficiency supports business travel and logistics, with the airport handling over 300,000 metric tons of international air cargo annually, facilitating Japan's export economy and global trade connections.

Looking forward, HND continues to expand its international flight slots and enhance facilities to accommodate growing demand. The Japanese government's aviation policy aims to increase HND's international capacity to 90,000 annual slots by 2025, strengthening Tokyo's position as a global aviation hub. Ongoing infrastructure improvements and sustainability initiatives position HND to maintain its status as a world-class airport while supporting Japan's economic growth and international connectivity for decades to come.