Kadena Air Base

RODN / DNA

Okinawa, JP

Last Updated
Jun 24, 20:55Z

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
Stale 3 hours ago
20:55Z

🌙 Night
VFR
Flight Rules
28°C
Temperature
Dewpoint: 25°C
8 kt
120° G15 kt
10 SM
Visibility
Ceiling
Unlimited
1005 hPa
QNH
Altimeter Setting

Raw METAR

METAR RODN 242055Z AUTO 12008G15KT 10SM CLR 28/25 A2967 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT S SLP047 T02760248 55005 FZRANO $

Weather Briefing

VFR

Kadena Air Base is currently reporting visual flight rules (VFR) conditions with clear skies and 10 SM visibility. Note: This observation is 2.6 hours old and conditions may have changed.

Wind Analysis

Winds are from the east-southeast (120°) at 8 knots with gusts to 15 knots. Runway 05L/23R is favored with a 3-knot headwind and 8-knot crosswind component (gusting to 14 knots crosswind).

Visibility & Ceiling

Visibility is 10 SM. Skies are clear with unlimited ceiling.

Temperature & Moisture

Temperature is 28°C (82°F) with a dewpoint of 25°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 30 hours. The forecast shows a transition between VFR and IFR conditions. Pilots should monitor the forecast closely and have an alternate airport plan. Expected weather includes: Light Rain, Rain, Heavy Rain. Winds are forecast to reach up to 50 knots during the period. Expect variable wind speeds ranging from 10 to 50 knots.

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
1005 hPa
Sea Level Pressure
For altitude above MSL
QFE
1000 hPa
Field Pressure
Height above aerodrome (143 ft)
Pressure Alt
391 ft
QNE Reference
Standard: 1013 hPa
Density Altitude: 1,985 ft
ISA Deviation: +13.3°C

Forecast (TAF)

View Full TAF
Raw TAF
TAF RODN 241600Z 2416/2522 13010G20KT 9999 SCT015 BKN050 QNH2965INS BECMG 2501/2502 15015G25KT 9999 VCSH SCT010 BKN040 QNH2963INS BECMG 2503/2504 13015G25KT 6000 -RA BKN025 QNH2958INS BECMG 2506/2507 14020G30KT 4800 RA SCT010 BKN020 520009 QNH2951INS BECMG 2514/2515 15025G35KT 2400 RA BKN010 530009 QNH2935INS BECMG 2519/2520 15050G65KT 1600 +RA BKN005 570009 QNH2933INS TX31/2503Z TN27/2516Z
Upcoming Changes (Next 12 Hours)
23:32Z BASE
+0h
VFR 130° 10 kt
Visibility: 10+ km
Ceiling: 5,000 ft
01:00Z BECMG
+2h
VFR 150° 15 kt
Visibility: 10+ km
Ceiling: 4,000 ft
03:00Z BECMG
+4h
MVFR 130° 15 kt
Visibility: 6 km
Ceiling: 2,500 ft
Light Rain
06:00Z BECMG
+7h
IFR 140° 20 kt
Visibility: 4.8 km
Ceiling: 2,000 ft
Rain

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
  • • Zoom and pan for detailed analysis
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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: 05L
12,100 ft 300 ft ASP 51°
2.7 kt 7.5 kt
70° angle
✈️ 05R/23L
Active: 05R
12,100 ft 200 ft CON 51°
2.7 kt 7.5 kt
70° angle
🟢 Active Runway: Best headwind component for current conditions
⬆️ Headwind: Favorable wind component
↔️ Crosswind: ≤10kt Safe, 11-15kt Caution, >15kt Challenging

Weather Statistics - RODN

8,145 observations | Sep 2025 - Jun 2026

Flight Rules Distribution

VFR
73.1%
MVFR
19.8%
IFR
5.5%
LIFR
1.6%

Kadena Air Base typically experiences VFR conditions 73.1% of the time, though instrument-rated pilots will find IFR weather present approximately 7.1% of observations. Prevailing winds are from the NE averaging 9.1 knots, with gusts recorded up to 42 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: NE (45°)
Average Speed: 9.1 kt
Maximum Recorded: 42 kt
Calm Winds: 6.6%
Direction Distribution:
E
16.5%
N
21.4%
S
8.3%
W
3%
NE
24.6%
NW
5.7%
SE
5.6%
SW
8.4%

Temperature Range

Average: 22.3°C
Range: -17°C to 33°C
-17°C 33°C

Visibility

Average: 9.5 SM
Below 3 SM: 0.7%
Fog Frequency: 0%

Best Months for VFR

October September January

Runway Wind Analysis

Runway 05L/23R
Favorable wind: 100%
Avg crosswind: 4.9 kt
Runway 05R/23L
Favorable wind: 100%
Avg crosswind: 4.9 kt

Statistics computed from 8,145 METAR observations (Sep 2025 - Jun 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.