Historic Bomb Explosion Grounds Flights at Miyazaki Airport

Wednesday 02 October 2024 - 10:10

A regional airport in southwest Japan was forced to close on Wednesday following the explosion of a World War II-era bomb, likely dropped during the conflict to thwart "kamikaze" attacks. The incident occurred at Miyazaki Airport, resulting in the cancellation of nearly 90 flights.

The blast created a crater approximately seven meters wide and one meter deep in the taxiway adjacent to the runway. According to officials from the Japanese transport ministry, a bomb disposal team from the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force confirmed that the explosion was caused by an American bomb buried beneath the surface for decades, likely from a wartime air raid.

Fortunately, no injuries were reported. However, live footage from local broadcaster MRT revealed that an airplane had been taxiing nearby just minutes before the explosion. The airport's operations were suspended as a precautionary measure, affecting flights operated by Japan Airlines (JAL), All Nippon Airways (ANA), and other carriers connecting Miyazaki to major cities such as Tokyo, Osaka, and Fukuoka.

Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi reassured the public that there is no risk of further explosions and that repair work to fill the crater is expected to be completed by Thursday morning. Miyazaki Airport, located on Kyushu island's southeastern coast, has historical significance as it was formerly a Japanese navy base during World War II, serving as a launch point for many kamikaze pilots on their final missions.

This incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding unexploded ordnance in Japan, where remnants of wartime airstrikes continue to be discovered despite the war ending over 79 years ago. In fiscal year 2023 alone, Japanese authorities reported safely disposing of 2,348 bombs weighing a total of 37.5 tonnes.