Japan aims to make Haneda airport open 24 hrs

(AFP)

Japan said Monday that a new, fourth runway being built at Tokyo's Haneda airport will make it a 24-hour air hub that handles international and domestic flights.

Governments have long made it a basic rule that Haneda serves domestic flights and Narita airport international trips.

But Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Minister Seiji Maehara said he wanted to "scrap the general rule in principle" to expand the role of Haneda, which is closer to the heart of Tokyo.

"As the fourth runway is built in October next year, I want to aim for Haneda airport's gradual internationalisation with 24-hour operation," he said.

Haneda currently opens at 6:00 am and closes just before midnight for regular commercial flights.