Kadena Air Base

RODN / DNA

Okinawa, JP

Last Updated
Apr 30, 14:55Z

Military Airport

Restricted

This is a Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) installation. Civil access is not permitted.

Access Notes:

JASDF bases closed to civil traffic

Consult official AIP (Japan AIP ENR 5.2) for current access procedures and restrictions.

Current Weather

Display Units
Fresh 15 min ago
14:55Z

☀️ Day
VFR
Flight Rules
21°C
Temperature
Dewpoint: 18°C
7 kt
310°
10 SM
Visibility
4,400 ft
Ceiling
Above Ground Level
1014 hPa
QNH
Altimeter Setting

Raw METAR

METAR RODN 301455Z 31007KT 10SM FEW016 SCT022 OVC044 21/18 A2995 RMK AO2A SLP143 60005 T02100184 402860204 50004 FZRANO $

Clouds - Visual Profile

12,000ft
9,000ft
6,000ft
3,000ft
Ground
Field Elev: 143 ft
FEW 1,600 ft AGL
SCT 2,200 ft AGL
OVC 4,400 ft AGL
🌤️
FEW
Few (1/8-2/8 sky coverage)
1,600 ft
AGL (Above Ground)
1,743 ft AMSL
SCT
Scattered (3/8-4/8 sky coverage)
2,200 ft
AGL (Above Ground)
2,343 ft AMSL
☁️
OVC
Overcast (8/8 sky coverage)
4,400 ft
AGL (Above Ground)
4,543 ft AMSL

Weather Briefing

VFR

Kadena Air Base is currently reporting visual flight rules (VFR) conditions with overcast skies at 4,400 feet and 10 SM visibility.

Wind Analysis

Winds are from the northwest (310°) at 7 knots. Runway 23 is favored with a 1-knot headwind and 7-knot crosswind component.

Visibility & Ceiling

Visibility is 10 SM. The ceiling is 4400 feet AGL (overcast), well above standard VFR minimums.

Temperature & Moisture

Temperature is 21°C (70°F) with a dewpoint of 18°C. The narrow temperature-dewpoint spread suggests high humidity and potential for visibility restrictions, especially during cooling periods.

Forecast Outlook

The TAF forecast covers the next 25 hours. Conditions are expected to fluctuate between VFR and MVFR. VFR pilots should be prepared for deteriorating conditions. Expected weather includes: Light Showers Rain. Temporary MVFR conditions are forecast with Light Showers Rain between 13:00Z and 16:00Z.

Pilot Recommendations

Conditions are favorable for visual flight. The narrow temperature-dewpoint spread creates risk of fog formation, particularly during evening and early morning hours. The forecast indicates conditions may deteriorate. Ensure you have fuel reserves and a viable alternate airport.

This briefing is generated from real-time METAR and TAF data. Always verify with official sources before flight.

QNH
1014 hPa
Sea Level Pressure
For altitude above MSL
QFE
1009 hPa
Field Pressure
Height above aerodrome (143 ft)
Pressure Alt
121 ft
QNE Reference
Standard: 1013 hPa
Density Altitude: 875 ft
ISA Deviation: +6.3°C

Forecast (TAF)

View Full TAF
Raw TAF
TAF AMD RODN 301300Z 3013/0114 30010G15KT 9999 BKN015 QNH2987INS TEMPO 3013/3016 8000 -SHRA BECMG 3018/3019 32012G18KT 9999 SCT015 BKN020 QNH2990INS BECMG 0107/0108 35010G15KT 9999 SCT025 BKN040 QNH2992INS TX26/0104Z TN22/3018Z
Upcoming Changes (Next 12 Hours)
15:09Z BASE
+0h
MVFR 300° 10 kt
Visibility: 10+ km
Ceiling: 1,500 ft
18:00Z BECMG
+3h
MVFR 320° 12 kt
Visibility: 10+ km
Ceiling: 2,000 ft

24-Hour Weather Evolution

Loading weather data...
Data Sources
  • • Current conditions from METAR observations
  • • Historical data from past 24 hours
  • • No forecast or predicted data included
  • • Data updated with each new METAR report
Chart Features
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  • • Click legend items to toggle data series
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Note: Future values beyond current TAF validity are estimates based on climatological data and trends. Always verify with current forecasts before flight operations.

Airport Runway Layout

N
ODN
05L
23R ✈️
05R
23L ✈️

Runway Information

Runway Length Width Surface Heading Wind Component
✈️ 05L/23R
Active: 23R
12,100 ft 300 ft ASP 51°
1.2 kt 6.9 kt
80° angle
✈️ 05R/23L
Active: 23L
12,100 ft 200 ft CON 51°
1.2 kt 6.9 kt
80° angle
🟢 Active Runway: Best headwind component for current conditions
⬆️ Headwind: Favorable wind component
↔️ Crosswind: ≤10kt Safe, 11-15kt Caution, >15kt Challenging

Weather Statistics - RODN

6,111 observations | Sep 2025 - Apr 2026

Flight Rules Distribution

VFR
82.7%
MVFR
15.3%
IFR
1.8%
LIFR
0.2%

Kadena Air Base enjoys predominantly VFR conditions, with visual flight rules prevailing 82.7% of the time. Prevailing winds are from the N averaging 8.4 knots. Temperature extremes range from -17°C to 33°C, reflecting significant seasonal variation. The best months for VFR flying are October, September, January.

Wind Analysis

Prevailing Direction: N (0°)
Average Speed: 8.4 kt
Maximum Recorded: 25 kt
Calm Winds: 8.1%
Direction Distribution:
N
26.3%
NE
26%
E
15.9%
SE
6.1%
S
5%
SW
3.5%
W
2.8%
NW
6.3%

Temperature Range

Average: 21.5°C
Range: -17°C to 33°C
-17°C 33°C

Visibility

Average: 9.7 SM
Below 3 SM: 0.4%
Fog Frequency: 0%

Best Months for VFR

October September January

Runway Wind Analysis

Runway 05L/23R
Favorable wind: 100%
Avg crosswind: 5 kt
Runway 05R/23L
Favorable wind: 100%
Avg crosswind: 5 kt

Statistics computed from 6,111 METAR observations (Sep 2025 - Apr 2026). Data sourced from official aviation weather services. Updated daily.

Kadena Air Base - Airport Information

Airport Details

ICAO Code: RODN
IATA Code: DNA
Type: large airport
Status: active
Elevation: 143 ft MSL

Location

City: Okinawa
Country: JP
Latitude: 26.351667°
Longitude: 127.769444°
Time Zone: Etc/GMT-9

Runway Information

Runway 05L/23R
Length: 12,100 ft
Width: 300 ft
Surface: ASP
ILS: No
Runway 05R/23L
Length: 12,100 ft
Width: 200 ft
Surface: CON
ILS: No

About Kadena Air Base

Kadena 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

Kadena Air Base is a major military airfield located on the island of Okinawa, Japan. Situated at 26.351667°N, 127.769444°E with an elevation of 143 feet MSL, the base serves as a critical strategic air operations hub for U.S. military forces in the Pacific region. The airport features two substantial parallel runways, each 12,100 feet long with different surface types (asphalt and concrete).

Flying Conditions

Okinawa's subtropical climate produces consistent weather patterns that can impact aviation operations. Pilots should anticipate potential tropical weather systems, particularly during the summer and early autumn months when typhoon activity is most frequent. The airport's coastal location and relatively low elevation can create unique wind and visibility conditions that require careful preflight planning.

Notable Features

The base's twin parallel runways (05L/23R and 05R/23L) provide operational flexibility for different aircraft types and wind conditions. Its geographic position on Okinawa offers a strategic location for military and potentially some civilian aviation operations in the western Pacific region. The substantial 12,100-foot runway lengths accommodate large military aircraft and provide significant operational margins.

Approach Considerations

Runway orientation at 05/23 suggests prevailing wind considerations for approach and departure planning. The dual parallel runways allow for simultaneous operations and provide alternatives during challenging weather conditions. Pilots should be prepared for potential military traffic and standard military airspace procedural requirements when operating at this location.

Data Sources & Accuracy: Airport information sourced from OurAirports.com, a collaborative database of worldwide airport data. Weather data from official aviation weather services including NOAA Aviation Weather Center and international METAR/TAF providers. Information is updated regularly but pilots should always verify current conditions and NOTAMs through official channels before flight operations.

Official Data Sources

Weather NOAA Aviation Weather Center • International METAR/TAF Network
Airports OurAirports.com • Public domain airport database
NOTAMs FAA NOTAM System • ICAO NOTAM Distribution
Last updated: Jan 1, 1970 12:00 AM UTC

Disclaimer: Data is provided for informational purposes only. Pilots must verify all information through official sources before flight operations. Weather conditions change rapidly; always obtain a current briefing from approved weather services.