This airport holds the record of never losing luggage in the last 30 years

This airport proudly boasts a 30-year streak of permanently placing a bag correctly and handling up to 30 million passengers and 10 million bags annually—this is Japan's Kansai airport. 

Kansai International Airport, situated on an artificial island in Osaka Bay, is a pivotal travel hub for Japan. Designed by renowned architect Renzo Piano, it's strategically located 38 km southwest of Osaka Station and serves three municipalities in Osaka Prefecture.

Since its opening on September 4, 1994, Kansai has alleviated congestion at Osaka International Airport, now dedicated solely to domestic flights. The airport boasts significant traffic, with 25.2 million passengers passing through in 2016, ranking it among Asia's top 30 busiest airports and Japan's top three.

Kansai plays a vital role in global connectivity by handling passengers and freight. By June 2014, the airport had solidified its position as an Asian hub, facilitating 780 weekly flights to Asia and Australasia, 59 to Europe and the Middle East, and 80 to North America.

In 2022, 26 million bags were mishandled globally, averaging 7.6 pieces per 1000 passengers. Kansai's record faces a test next year with Osaka hosting Expo 2025. While U.S. airports lose over 2 million bags annually, Kansai celebrates three decades without a loss.

Their approach involves multilayered checks and constant updates based on staff feedback, ensuring efficient baggage handling.

Kansai Airport has been crowned the best airport for baggage delivery by Skytrax for the eighth time. Business Insider compares this accolade with U.S. statistics, revealing that 0.58% of luggage was mishandled in 2023, totalling 3 million bags lost annually.

Aside from its luggage prowess, Kansai Airport holds other remarkable records. It was the world's first offshore airport in Osaka Bay in 1994. Despite sinking 2-4 cm each year due to its landfill construction, it maintains its operations. Moreover, a 2023 study noted its pricey airport food, averaging $34.02 for a main dish.

In April 2025, Osaka will host the World Expo, focusing on envisioning society's future. With an expected surge to 37.33 million passengers in 2025 from 13.99 million in 2023, can Kansai maintain its stellar performance amidst the influx?

Airport staff attribute their success to daily diligence and teamwork, which were recognized by the recent award. Despite accolades, staff see their work as routine. They take pride in their service, aiming for swift baggage delivery within 15 minutes of arrival.

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