Flying in or out of here soon? Yao Airport, also known as Osaka/Yao Airport, stands before us. It is more than just a place to catch a flight. Yao Airport has a unique story.
Yao Airport’s ICAO code is RJOY. The airport serves Osaka and is located in Yao. Yao sits southeast of Osaka Station. It’s a convenient 15 kilometers away. The airport’s elevation is 33 feet or 10 meters above sea level. You can find it at these coordinates: 34°35′48″N 135°36′02″E.
Yao Airport is both a military and public airport. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport operates it. This makes it a vital hub for various activities.
Did you know Yao Airport is home to units of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force? The Chubu Herikoputatai and the III Hikotai operate from here. They use Fuji UH-1H/UH-1J and Kawasaki OH-6D helicopters. These units play a crucial role in the region’s defense.
Several small carriers offer unique services from Yao Airport. Asahi Airlines and Hankyu Airlines provide sightseeing and charter flights. Imagine taking a scenic flight over Osaka. It would be an unforgettable experience.
Yao Airport has two runways. Runway 09/27 measures 1,490 meters. That is about 4,888 feet. Its surface is asphalt and concrete. Runway 13/31 is shorter. It measures 1,200 meters. That is about 3,937 feet. This runway is also asphalt.
Here’s a surprising fact about Yao Airport. It is the only second-class airport in Japan. It doesn’t have scheduled airline services. This makes it unique among Japanese airports.
Let’s step back in time. Yao Airport started as Hanshin Aviation School in 1938. In 1940, the army seized it. It was expanded and renamed Taisho Airfield. After World War II, occupation forces called it Hanshin Airfield. Eventually, it returned to Japanese control.
The Japan Ground Self-Defense Force operates JGSDF Camp Yao here. The Middle Army Aviation Group is based here. The 3rd Aviation Group uses UH-1 and OH-6 helicopters.
Osaka Prefecture also uses Yao Airport. The Osaka Prefectural Police Aviation Corps operates several helicopters. These include Bell 206 LongRanger and Eurocopter EC135 P1 and P3.
Osaka City has a presence here too. The Osaka Municipal Fire Department operates two Eurocopter AS365 Dauphin helicopters. They use them for firefighting. They were even dispatched overseas for disaster relief.
Yao Airport offers various services. Fuel types available include Jet A and 100/130 octane gasoline. The airport has high-intensity lighting.
Yao Airport operates within specific hours. The control tower is open from 2300 to 1030 Z.
As we conclude our visit to Yao Airport, consider its multifaceted role. It is a general aviation hub and a military airbase. Yao Airport supports local defense, offers unique flight services, and contributes to Osaka’s infrastructure. It’s a place where history and modern aviation meet.