This article provides an update on Japan’s private aviation regulations that were implemented in early 2020, covering both mandatory luggage inspections and domestic operations permits.
Mandatory Luggage Inspections
Since January 6, 2020, Japan’s Transport Ministry has required security inspections for large luggage carried by departing private jet passengers at designated airports. Prior to this regulation, inspections were only performed at flight crew request.
Large luggage over a specific size (as determined by duty officers) continues to be inspected at these primary airports:
- Narita International Airport (RJAA)
- Haneda Airport (RJTT)
- Kansai International Airport (RJBB)
- Chubu Centrair International Airport (RJGG)
- Kobe Airport (RJBE)
- Nagoya Airport (RJNA)
2025 Update: Experience has shown that customs officers at other Japanese airports may also conduct discretionary luggage inspections based on their assessment, though this occurs on an occasional basis.
Domestic Operations Permits
The following changes implemented in 2020 remain in effect:
Schedule Changes and Permit Tolerance
- Prior to 2020: Permit changes were only allowed within -24 hours / +72 hours from approved ETA and ETD
- Current rule: Changes are allowed within -1 day / +3 days from approved operation dates
Flight Route Flexibility
- Prior to 2020: Flight route for domestic operations needed to be followed exactly as approved
- Current rule: Flight routes are changeable as long as the operator uses approved airports. Example: A flight approved for [KIAH-RJTT-RJBB-RJTT-KIAH] can operate as [KIAH-RJBB-RJTT-KIAH] without permit revision
Alternate Airports
- Prior to 2020: Setting alternate airports was not allowed
- Current rule: Setting alternate airports is now possible “within reason” (Note: JCAB has not specified the maximum number of alternate airports allowed)
