Kumamoto Airport in the forefront of the age About 17 km east of the center of Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Airport is located on the Takayubaru plateau (el.193m) about 17 km east of the center of Kumamoto City. It serves as an entrance to Kumamoto from the sky. The former Kumamoto Airport opened in 1960, but as the runway was rather short, it was replaced by a new one which was constructed on the site mentioned above. It opened in 1971 as an airport with a runway of 2,500 meters and made it possible for middle sized jets to enter service. Later, many additional facilities were added or removed as necessary. By 1997, planes could be controlled by radar. Jumbo jets entered service in 1679 and an international flight was introduced between Kumamoto and Seoul. In 1980, the runway was extended to 3,000 meters and the airport become a large scale airport. It celebrated its 25th anniversary in 1996. The number of the people who use Kumamoto Airport each year is around 266 million (in 1996). Currently, the international flight between Kumamoto and Seoul takes place twice a week and is sure to assume an important role as a national and international airport. To make the air network safer and more secured, the System "Category IIIa" has been introduced.