Japan Airport Closes After Suspected WWII-Era Bomb Detonates Near Runway, Causing 87 Flight Cancellations

A regional airport in southwestern Japan was temporarily closed on Wednesday after the detonation of what is believed to be a U.S. bomb, likely dropped during World War II to counter “kamikaze” attacks. The explosion, which occurred near the runway, resulted in the cancellation of nearly 90 flights.

Miyazaki Airport halted operations after the blast created a crater measuring seven meters (23 feet) wide and one meter (3.2 feet) deep in a taxiway adjacent to the runway, according to an official from Japan’s transport ministry.

A bomb disposal unit from the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force confirmed that the explosion was caused by an American bomb buried beneath the surface, likely from a wartime air raid.

Although no injuries were reported, live footage revealed that an airplane had been taxiing just two minutes before the explosion, as reported by local broadcaster MRT.

The runway shutdown grounded 87 flights, but authorities stated there is no further risk of explosions. Repair work to fill the crater is expected to be completed by Thursday morning, said government spokesperson Yoshimasa Hayashi.

Flights operated by Japan Airlines, All Nippon Airways, and other carriers linking Miyazaki with cities such as Tokyo, Osaka, and Fukuoka were affected, according to the airport’s website.

Miyazaki Airport, located at the southeastern tip of Kyushu Island, was formerly a Japanese navy base during World War II, from where many young “kamikaze” pilots embarked on their final missions, according to the Miyazaki city website.

This is not the first time unexploded bombs have been discovered at Miyazaki Airport, the transport ministry official noted.

Nearly 80 years after the end of World War II, unexploded bombs from the extensive air raids are still found across Japan. During fiscal year 2023, a total of 2,348 bombs, weighing 37.5 tonnes, were safely disposed of by the Self-Defense Forces.