โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
110
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Hiroshima-Nishi Airport (HIW), identified by its ICAO code RJBH, is a historic aviation facility located in the Nishi Ward of Hiroshima, Japan. Originally opened in 1961 as the primary airport for the city, it served as a major domestic hub for several decades. Following the opening of the larger and more modern Hiroshima Airport (HIJ) in Mihara, the facility was renamed Hiroshima-Nishi Airport and eventually ceased scheduled commercial airline operations in November 2012. Today, the site has been redeveloped into the Hiroshima Heliport, serving as a vital center for private air charters, emergency medical services, and government aviation.
The facility's transition from a full-scale commercial airport to a specialized heliport has seen a significant change in its layout and purpose. While the original runway system was shortened to accommodate helicopter operations, the site retains several hangars and administrative buildings that once supported regional airline traffic. The former passenger terminal's arrivals hall now houses the offices of the Sanfrecce Hiroshima professional football club, while other parts of the building provide support for heliport management and general aviation pilots. The layout is designed for maximum operational flexibility, allowing for rapid deployment of medical and law enforcement helicopters.
Facilities at the Hiroshima Heliport are tailored to the needs of specialized aviation rather than general passenger traffic. There are no retail shops, public restaurants, or conventional airline lounges within the heliport perimeter. Most visitors are authorized personnel, including pilots for sightseeing tours and official delegations. Despite the lack of commercial amenities, the site remains an important part of Hiroshima's infrastructure, having hosted high-profile international events such as the 2023 G7 Summit. For those requiring commercial air travel, the modern Hiroshima Airport (HIJ) is located approximately 50 kilometers to the east and offers a full range of domestic and international services.
๐ Connection Tips
Hiroshima-Nishi Airport (now Hiroshima Heliport) is a specialized aviation facility and does not handle scheduled commercial flights. Standard commercial Minimum Connection Times (MCT) are not applicable here. If your authorized itinerary requires a transfer from a private charter at HIW to a commercial service, you must travel to Hiroshima Airport (HIJ), located 50 kilometers east. This journey takes approximately 60 minutes via the Sanyo Expressway; allow at least 3.5 hours for the transfer to account for city traffic and commercial security protocols at HIJ.
For private and charter travelers, connections at the heliport usually involve transitioning from aircraft to pre-arranged ground transport. The facility retains its historic layout but has been optimized for helicopter operations. Since the site lacks a permanent on-site taxi rank or public transit, all ground logistics, including private car hires or shuttles, should be coordinated in advance. This ensures that your baggage and ground transportation are handled seamlessly upon arrival. All transitions within the heliport are subject to rigorous security checks and require valid authorization.
The heliport offers limited amenities for authorized personnel only. If you have an extended wait between duties, the city of Hiroshimaโjust a 15-minute drive awayโprovides numerous dining and lodging options. Notable local attractions include the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and the historic Shukkeien Garden. However, always ensure your movements are cleared with the facility management, as the strategic nature of the heliport can lead to sudden changes in accessibility. Self-sufficiency with snacks and water is advised for those waiting at the facility, as commercial retail is not available on-site.
โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
40
minutes
Domestic โ International
75
minutes
International โ Domestic
75
minutes
International โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Aomori Airport (AOJ) is a modern and exceptionally efficient aviation hub serving as the primary gateway to the Aomori Prefecture and the northernmost tip of Japan's Honshu island. Located approximately 12 kilometers southwest of Aomori's city center, the airport operates from a single, well-designed three-story passenger terminal. It handles a steady flow of domestic flights from major carriers including Japan Airlines (JAL), All Nippon Airways (ANA), and Fuji Dream Airlines, connecting the region with Tokyo, Osaka, Sapporo, and Nagoya, as well as seasonal international services to Seoul and Taipei.
The terminal experience at Aomori is defined by its intuitive layout and celebration of local culture. The first floor is dedicated to arrivals and check-in services, while the second floor features a comfortable departures area, including an 'Airport Lounge' accessible to Priority Pass holders and work stations for business travelers. The third floor is a highlight for many visitors, offering panoramic views of the runway from several restaurants that serve regional specialties such as Miso Curry Milk Ramen and desserts made from Aomori's world-famous apples. Throughout the building, travelers can admire a unique Nebuta-inspired ceiling display, reflecting the city's most iconic summer festival. Amenities are comprehensive, featuring duty-free shops, regional souvenir boutiques, and free high-speed Wi-Fi.
Operational excellence is a point of pride at AOJ, which is legendary for its snow removal capabilities. As one of the snowiest airports in the world, it is home to the 'White Impulse' teamโa specialized crew of 80 members and 38 high-performance vehicles that can clear the entire 3,000-meter runway and taxiway system in just 40 minutes. This extraordinary efficiency ensures that the airport remains operational even during heavy blizzards that would ground traffic elsewhere. For visitors, the airport represents a professional and welcoming threshold to Northern Tohoku, offering immediate access to the Hakkลda Mountains, Lake Towada, and the vibrant cultural scene of Aomori City.
๐ Connection Tips
Connecting at Aomori Airport (AOJ) is a remarkably straightforward process due to its compact, single-terminal design. For domestic-to-domestic transfers, the process is streamlined, typically requiring only a 15-20 minute transition between gates on the second floor. For international connections, passengers must clear immigration and customs on the first floor before proceeding to their onward flight. It is advisable to allow at least 75 to 90 minutes for such transfers to account for baggage handling and security re-screening. While JAL and ANA provide efficient baggage transfer services for their own networks, travelers connecting between different carriers should confirm if their luggage is checked through to the final destination.\n\nGround transportation from the Aomori terminal provides reliable links to the city center and the region's major rail hubs. JR Bus Tohoku operates regular shuttle services directly from the terminal to Aomori Station, with the journey taking approximately 35-40 minutes and offering an economical transit option. Taxis and fixed-price private transfer services are also readily available outside the arrivals hall, providing a faster journey of around 25 minutes to downtown Aomori. For those exploring the wider prefecture, several car rental agencies have offices conveniently located on the first floor. Travelers should be aware that while the 'White Impulse' team is highly effective, extreme winter weather events can still occasionally lead to flight adjustments; monitoring your flight status via your airline's app or the Aomori Airport website is highly recommended during the winter months from December to March.
โ Back to Hiroshimanishi Airport