Kobe’s business events industry is expected to experience a boost following the launch of international flights to and from the city.
In mid-April 2025, Kobe Airport opened its international terminal, transitioning from a domestic-only facility. This was made possible by the easing of restrictions related to route-sharing agreements with nearby Kansai International and Itami airports.
The new routes connect Kobe with Seoul, Shanghai, Nanjing, Taipei, and Taichung. All of these routes will operate daily, except for Taipei, which will have five round trips per week.
Although the flights are classified as charters, tickets are available through airline websites, making the booking experience similar to that of regular scheduled international flights, which are expected to be launched in the lead up to 2030.
Lance Ferguson, assistant manager of Kobe Convention Bureau, told TTGmice that the launch of international flights at Kobe Airport “significantly improves global accessibility”, and “the enhanced connectivity makes it even more practical for overseas delegates and organisers to consider Kobe as a viable destination for business events”.
The development is the latest in a series by Kobe to increase its appeal among business events players. The city’s waterfront has undergone significant redevelopment, with a focus on revitalising the port area as a vibrant cultural and economic hub. The Kobe Port Tower reopened in 2024 after renovation, while multipurpose space Glion Arena Kobe opened this year.
These developments are “part of a larger urban transformation that includes upgraded public spaces, new hotel developments and improved transport infrastructure, which includes the internationalisation of Kobe Airport,” said Ferguson. He added that they make Kobe “a compelling option for planners looking to blend efficient business facilities with an attractive and vibrant city setting”.
