Tokyo, May 24 – A major fire broke out at a factory located near Haneda Airport, one of Japan’s busiest aviation hubs, late Friday evening, severely affecting air traffic in and around the Tokyo area. According to local authorities, the blaze was brought under control by Saturday morning after over 13 hours of continuous firefighting efforts.
The incident occurred just two kilometers north of Haneda Airport, raising immediate concerns for airport safety and operations. More than 100 fire trucks were dispatched after emergency services received a report around 5 PM on Friday regarding a fire that had started on a conveyor belt inside the factory.
Multiple Floors Destroyed, One Firefighter Injured
Japan’s fire department confirmed that the fire destroyed the second, third, and fourth floors of the factory’s four-story building. One firefighter reportedly suffered from smoke inhalation during the operation but is said to be in stable condition.
The Tokyo Metropolitan Police and fire authorities are currently investigating the cause of the fire. No civilian casualties have been reported.
Flight Operations Temporarily Affected
Though the fire did not occur within airport premises, its proximity led to temporary disruption of several flights. Precautionary measures were implemented due to dense smoke and logistical constraints in the airspace. Airport officials have since resumed normal operations but advised travelers to check with their airlines for potential delays.
Haneda Airport: A Critical Aviation Hub
Originally built in 1964 to accommodate international visitors for the Tokyo Olympics, Haneda Airport has since undergone several expansions. Terminals 1, 2, and 3 were constructed in 1993, 2004, and 2019, respectively. In 2021, the airport was ranked the second-best airport globally, renowned for its cleanliness, efficiency, and passenger amenities.
This incident marks one of the rare fire-related disruptions near Haneda in recent years and highlights the importance of emergency preparedness in densely populated urban infrastructure zones.
Authorities are expected to release a detailed safety assessment and future preventive measures following the investigation.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving WORLD of technology.