Narita International Airport handled a record 23,906,893 foreign passengers on international flights in 2025, marking the second consecutive year of highs amid a tourism boom. The figure rose 10% from the previous year, though declining flights to China pose concerns for the future.
Narita International Airport in Chiba Prefecture saw 23,906,893 foreign passengers on international flights in 2025, a 10% increase from the year before and a record for the second straight year, according to Narita International Airport Corp. Overall passengers totaled 42,255,291, up 6%, driven by airlines adding routes and flights mainly to the United States and China in response to robust demand. At a press conference, company President Naoki Fujii said, 'Narita functions as the biggest gateway. The number could rise further by promoting inbound tourism,' noting that Japan welcomed over 40 million visitors for the first time. He added that in December, '(The number of) foreign passengers remained firm, especially tourists,' with 2,108,313 foreigners using international flights, a 3% rise and a monthly record. However, flights to China dropped 18% to 2,122 in December following the Chinese government's request for its citizens to avoid travel to Japan. As of Saturday in January, China flights stood at 1,524, down 27%, with Fujii warning, 'The pace of decrease is accelerating.' He stressed the need to monitor developments ahead of the February Lunar New Year holiday. While the tourism surge bolsters the airport's role, the dip in Chinese traffic highlights geopolitical risks.
