The country with an airport built on water is Japan.
Kansai International Airport: An Airport on Water
Kansai International Airport, located in Japan, is an example of an airport built on an artificial island in the sea. This ambitious project was undertaken to overcome land scarcity issues and provide a vital transportation hub for the region. However, it's also facing challenges as it is sinking into the sea, as referenced in the Economic Times article.
Key Takeaways About Kansai Airport
- Built on Water: The airport is constructed on an artificial island in Osaka Bay.
- Sinking Issue: The airport is experiencing subsidence, causing it to sink.
- Engineering Marvel: Despite its challenges, the airport stands as a remarkable feat of engineering.
Why Build an Airport on Water?
Several factors can contribute to the decision to construct an airport on water, including:
- Land Scarcity: Limited land availability in densely populated areas can make artificial islands the only viable option.
- Noise Reduction: Locating an airport away from urban centers can help minimize noise pollution.
- Strategic Location: Building an island airport can provide access to major waterways.
- Minimizing Impact: Reduced disruption to local ecosystem.
Solutions and Challenges:
While building airports on water offers several advantages, it also comes with a unique set of challenges:
- Subsidence Control: Preventing or mitigating sinking requires advanced engineering techniques.
- Climate Change: Rising sea levels and storm surges pose increasing threats to such infrastructure.
- Cost: Construction and maintenance of artificial islands are very expensive.
Other examples
While Kansai is a prominent example, other countries also have airports with sections built on water, although not entire islands.
| Country | Airport | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Japan | Kansai International Airport | Built on an artificial island, sinking |
