Miyazaki, Japan – Regular operations resumed at Miyazaki Airport on Thursday after workers swiftly cleared debris from a World War II-era bomb that had exploded near a runway the previous day, disrupting dozens of flights. The unexpected detonation occurred Wednesday morning when smoke was seen rising from the ground on a taxiway adjacent to the runway, as observed by air traffic controllers.
The explosive, identified as an American-made bomb from the war period, lay buried beneath the airport grounds before its sudden explosion created an oval crater approximately 7 meters wide and 1 meter deep. This caused the immediate cancellation of 87 flights, impacting major airlines such as Japan Airlines (JAL) and All Nippon Airways (ANA), and in turn affecting hundreds of passengers planning to travel to domestic locations like Tokyo, Osaka, and Fukuoka, as well as international destinations.
A video captured by a local aviation school showed pieces of asphalt being propelled into the air, dramatizing the scene as the debris fell back to earth. Despite the potential danger, no injuries were reported. Emergency repairs were quickly conducted, allowing for the first flight, a JAL aircraft headed to Fukuoka, to depart at 7:40 a.m. local time the following day.
The quick response was praised by Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary, Yoshimasa Hayashi, who reassured the public that there was no further danger of explosions. He commended the efficient cleanup and repair efforts that allowed the airport’s busy schedule to resume with minimal further disruption.
Miyazaki Airport holds historical significance as it was initially built in 1943 as a training base for the Imperial Japanese Navy’s kamikaze squadrons during WWII. These suicide missions, carried out by pilots who considered it an honor to sacrifice their lives, involved crashing explosive-laden aircraft into enemy vessels to impede the Allies’ advance.
Today, the airport serves as a peacetime commercial facility handling numerous domestic and international flights daily. However, the region’s war-torn legacy continues to pose challenges. Reports from Japan’s Ministry of Defence indicate that remnants from the conflict, such as unexploded bombs, are frequently discovered in the area, necessitating skilled disposal by the Self-Defence Forces.
Current statistics from the Transport Ministry highlight the widespread issue of unexploded wartime ordnance in Japan, with over 2,348 bombs being safely disposed of in 2023 alone, totaling approximately 37.5 tonnes. This ongoing effort underscores the latent risks embedded across the country from the last global conflict, which ended over 79 years ago.
Returning to operational normalcy, the airport continues to serve as a key hub, facilitating travel to major cities across Japan and to international destinations like Taiwan and South Korea. Airlines operating from Miyazaki have swiftly adjusted to the incident, working diligently to accommodate disrupted passengers and reschedule flights promptly.
As operations stabilize, the recent explosion has highlighted the persistent challenges faced by regions with significant wartime legacies and has demonstrated the resilience and preparedness of local and national authorities in ensuring public safety amidst unexpected threats.