Naha Airport / JASDF Naha Air Base

Naha Airport / JASDF Naha Air Base is a military facility. Civilian access may be restricted or require Prior Permission (PPR). Pilots should consult the JP AIP for current access procedures and restrictions.

Overview

Naha Airport serves as a critical aviation hub located in Okinawa, Japan, functioning as both a civilian international airport and a Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) air base. Situated at a low elevation of 12 feet MSL, the airport provides essential air connectivity for the Okinawa prefecture and supports military operational requirements in the region.

Flying Conditions

The airport experiences predominantly excellent Visual Flight Rules (VFR) conditions, with 95% of observations indicating clear weather suitable for visual flying. Temperature ranges from 11°C to 34°C, with an average of 23.4°C, providing stable thermal conditions. Wind patterns are consistently from the northeast at an average of 11.1 knots, with maximum gusts up to 32 knots.

Notable Features

Naha Airport features two substantial asphalt runways: 18L/36R at 9,840 feet and 18R/36L at 8,858 feet. Both runways demonstrate 100% favorable wind conditions with an average crosswind of just 5.6 knots, indicating highly predictable and manageable wind characteristics. The airport's geographical location in the Ryukyu Islands provides unique meteorological conditions typical of subtropical maritime environments.

Approach Considerations

Pilots can expect optimal flying conditions during January, September, and October, which statistically offer the best VFR weather. The consistent northeast wind and low elevation make approaches relatively straightforward, with excellent average visibility of 10 statute miles. Both runways are equally viable for landing, with negligible crosswind interference.