IZUMISANO, Japan – Kansai International Airport, which serves the bustling regions of Osaka and Kyoto, boasts a unique achievement in the aviation world: zero lost bags in 30 years of operation. While airline and transfer errors sometimes cause delays, Kansai’s own baggage handling team maintains an impeccable track record, delivering every piece of luggage on time and intact.
Kansai’s secret? Consistent attention to detail, not specialized training. Tsuyoshi Habuta, a supervisor at CKTS, one of the airport’s handling companies, explains that employees simply follow set protocols with care, processing over 3,000 pieces of luggage daily. “We carefully handle suitcases to avoid shocks. Suitcase handles are aligned to make it easy for customers to pick up,” says Habuta. Fragile items, like strollers and surfboards, are hand-delivered to passengers for added security.
Bags arrive on the carousel within 15 minutes of landing, a standard designed to minimize customer stress and streamline the travel experience. Kansai’s dedication was recognized this year when UK-based SKYTRAX awarded it the title of World's Best Airport for Baggage Delivery.
Co-CEO Benoit Rulleau is proud of the accolade but acknowledges that Kansai’s mostly direct flights make zero-loss handling somewhat easier compared to airports with heavy connecting traffic. “The incredible devotion of the airport’s staff,” Rulleau believes, is what truly sets Kansai apart.
This dedication is particularly relevant as Kansai prepares for the Osaka Expo 2025, with renovations including a new security checkpoint to further enhance passenger flow. The airport, which currently serves 25 million passengers annually, is ready to scale up to 40 million, confidently aiming to maintain its perfect record of baggage handling.
Globally, baggage mishandling rates have dropped, from double figures a decade ago to around 6.9 bags per 1,000 passengers, thanks to advances in tracking technology. Yet, as SITA’s baggage director Nicole Hogg notes, connecting flights remain the primary source of mishandled baggage.
With its seamless processes and a dedicated team, Kansai International Airport offers a travel experience that passengers can trust, expecting their bags to arrive on time, every time.
Commentaires