Kansai International Airport Claims No Lost Luggage in 30 Years
IZUMISANO, Japan – Kansai International Airport, serving the Osaka and Kyoto regions, claims an impressive achievement: in three decades of operation, it has never lost a bag. Despite the challenges of handling over 3,000 pieces of luggage daily, the airport’s dedication to precision has earned it the title of the World’s Best Airport for Baggage Delivery by SKYTRAX in April.
“We just follow the work processes and rules and do what we have to do,” shared Tsuyoshi Habuta, a supervisor at CKTS, one of the airport’s baggage handling companies. While no special training is required, attention to detail is paramount. Habuta’s team ensures luggage handles are aligned for easy customer retrieval and fragile items are handed directly to passengers.
Luggage is typically on the carousel within 15 minutes of an aircraft’s arrival, minimizing passenger wait times and stress. This smooth operation is a point of pride for the entire airport team, as noted by co-CEO Benoit Rulleau. He credits the “incredible devotion” of the staff for maintaining this record, especially as the airport prepares to accommodate up to 40 million passengers annually for the upcoming Osaka Expo 2025.
Globally, baggage mishandling has decreased over the last decade thanks to technological advances. Nicole Hogg, baggage portfolio director at SITA, highlighted that worldwide, only 6.9 bags per 1,000 passengers are mishandled—a significant improvement from ten years ago. She explained that direct flights, like those at Kansai, have a lower chance of mishandling compared to flights with tight connections.
With Kansai’s reputation for excellence and a recent renovation, passengers can continue to expect smooth travels through this standout airport.