VINCI Airports celebrates the completion of the extension and renovation of Kansai International Airport, as well as the 10th anniversary of the concession
VINCI Airports and its joint subsidiary with ORIX, Kansai Airports, inaugurate the expanded and fully renovated international retail area of Terminal 1, marking the completion of an ambitious renovation project launched in 2021.
The event coincides with the 10th anniversary of Kansai Airports' concession of the airport, illustrating a decade of commitment to the transformation and attractiveness of the Kansai region.
Kansai International Airport (KIX) welcomed over 34 million passengers in 2025, confirming its status as world-class airport and gateway for tourism to Japan.
A major milestone for Kansai International Airport
Kansai International airport (KIX) reaches today a new milestone in its development with the inauguration of the completed international trade zone. This completion marks the conclusion of the extensive renovation and modernization project for Terminal 1, which began in 2021. This event coincides with the celebration of the 10th anniversary of the Kansai Airports concession, a subsidiary of VINCI Airports and ORIX, at KIX, a successful partnership that has transformed the airport into a leading global gateway.
The inauguration ceremony was organised in the presence of Nicolas Notebaert, CEO of VINCI Concessions and Chairman of VINCI Airports, Shuji Irie, Director of Concessions of ORIX group, Rémi Maumon de Longevialle, CEO of VINCI Airports, Yoshiyuki Yamaya, CEO of Kansai Airports, and Benoît Rulleau, co-CEO of Kansai Airports, as well as other officials and partners of Kansai International airport.
A major modernization project to enhance the passenger experience
The new retail area is located within an extension of the international departures area, which opened in December 2023. It comprises a total of 24 new retail outlets, including luxury brands, specialty shops offering popular regional products, and a variety of restaurants. It also features Japan's largest walk-through duty-free shop, providing passengers with an exceptional pre-departure shopping experience.
With the opening of this area, the renovation of Terminal 1 at Kansai International airport is now fully completed. This project represented a 70-billion-yen total investment. The expansion of the international departures area increased the original surface area by 60%, thus strengthening the airport's operational capacity and attractiveness.
A decade of transformation
Since taking over the concession for Kansai International airport in 2016, VINCI Airports, alongside its partner ORIX, has actively supported the airport's development, modernization, and international reach. Driven by ambitious investments and the deployment of innovative technological solutions, these projects have significantly improved passenger journey and strengthened the airport's role. As a result, in 2025, Kansai International airport welcomed over 34 million passengers, confirming its status as a gateway to the Kansai region and the world.
Nicolas Notebaert, CEO of VINCI Concessions and Chairman of VINCI Airports, stated at the event:
“As we celebrate the 10th anniversary of the concession for Kansai International airport, we are particularly proud of the progress made. Together with our partner, Orix, we have transformed this platform into a modern, attractive, and environmentally responsible international hub. VINCI Airports reaffirms its commitment to quality of service, operational performance, and the ecological transition. We will continue in this direction to connect the Kansai region to the world ever more effectively.”
VINCI Airports, the world's leading private airport operator, manages the development and operation of more than 70 airports across 14 countries. Leveraging its expertise as a global integrator, VINCI Airports develops, finances, builds, and operates airports, mobilizing its investment capacity and know-how to optimize operational performance and modernize infrastructure, while ensuring its environmental transition. In 2016, VINCI Airports became the first airport operator to commit to an international environmental strategy, aiming for carbon neutrality (scopes 1 and 2) across its entire network by 2050, while supporting its stakeholders in their transition.
For more information: www.vinci-airports.com
