Tokyo’s International Airport, Tokyo Haneda, is the most punctual in the world. This is commendable, as the airport is also the fifth busiest in the world. This is the fourth consecutive year the airport has been awarded this title.
According to CNN Travel, Haneda saw 87 million passengers passing through in 2018. This is more than major international hubs like Heathrow (80 million), Hong Kong (74.5 million) and Chicago O’Hare (83 million).
The mega airport was crowned the world’s most punctual based on the fact that 85.6% of its flights were on time in 2018. The average for an airport this big, seeing over 30 million departures, is 77.1%, according OAG.
The recipe behind the airport’s success can be attributed to a number of factors.
Efficient baggage handling is key. Baggage handlers lift around 17,000 bags a day, with the aim to get bags to passengers in 10 minutes. The airport is also testing out a robotic suit, that works as as an exoskeleton.
It will provide support to the lower half of the body, using sensors and motors to detect when mechanical assistance is needed.
Another factor is that punctuality is entrenched in Japanese culture. Speaking to CNN Travel, Hideyaki Kimihara, a restaurant manager at the airport said: ‘Japanese people are brought up with that custom. Once you’re an adult, the importance of punctuality is already etched into your head.’
Tokyo Haneda Airport is one of twelve airports to receive a 5-star quality rating from Skytrax. It is the only airport among the world’s busiest to receive this first-rate status. The responsibility of this title helps it to maintain it’s efficiency.
Image: Unsplash
