Sendai Airport is closed as of July 30, 2025, after a tsunami warning was issued following a powerful earthquake near Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula. All flights to and from Sendai have been canceled, affecting thousands of travelers across Japan and Asia.
A magnitude 8.8 earthquake struck off the Kamchatka Peninsula at 8:25 AM JST, leading the Japan Meteorological Agency to issue a tsunami warning for the Pacific coast. In response, Sendai Airport closed its runway between 9:41 and 9:57 AM JST. The closure is indefinite, with airport officials waiting for further safety checks before reopening.
Major airlines, including Japan Airlines (JAL) and All Nippon Airways (ANA), canceled all Sendai flights. EVA Airways, Starlux Airlines, and Tigerair Taiwan also canceled all flights between Taiwan and Sendai. In total, Sendai Airport reported 34 flight cancellations—almost half of its scheduled flights—and five delays. The impact spread quickly, with over 50 cancellations at other major Japanese airports and hundreds of delays at Narita, Haneda, Kansai, and Fukuoka.
International flights between Hawaii and Asia were also affected. Hilo International Airport in Hawaii closed temporarily due to the Pacific-wide tsunami warning. Rail and ferry services faced major disruptions. JR East suspended or delayed several coastal train lines, including the Jōban and Tōkaidō lines. Ferries connecting Hokkaido, Aomori, Tokyo, and nearby islands stopped running.
Nearly two million people in Japan have been ordered to evacuate coastal areas as a safety measure. Local governments are providing shelters and support for both residents and stranded travelers. The UK Foreign Office and other agencies have updated travel advisories, urging everyone to follow local instructions.
Sendai Airport’s closure is a direct result of strict safety protocols put in place after the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami, which caused severe damage to the airport. These measures require immediate shutdowns when tsunami warnings are issued. As reported by VisaVerge.com, this quick response shows Japan’s commitment to public safety in disaster situations.
Airlines are offering special support for affected passengers, including rebooking and fee waivers. EVA Airways plans to use a larger aircraft on the Taipei-Sendai route to help stranded travelers. JR East advises passengers to check their official train status page for real-time updates on service changes.
Travelers should expect ongoing delays and possible aftershocks. Authorities have not given a timeline for reopening Sendai Airport. Updates will come from the airport authority and the Japan Meteorological Agency. For now, travelers are urged to check with airlines, monitor official channels, and follow all evacuation orders.
Aviation experts say rapid airport closures are vital in tsunami-prone areas. The travel industry warns of continued disruptions and advises flexible travel plans. Government officials stress that public safety is the top priority.
For the latest updates, visit the Japan Meteorological Agency’s official website. Travelers should stay alert, follow all safety instructions, and be prepared for changes as the situation develops.
Learn Today
Sendai Airport → An airport in Japan closed for safety after tsunami warnings following earthquakes.
Tsunami Warning → An alert signaling potential large sea waves after seismic activity, prompting safety measures.
Kamchatka Peninsula → A Russian peninsula near which a powerful earthquake triggered tsunami alerts impacting Japan.
Japan Meteorological Agency → Government body responsible for weather forecasts and issuing tsunami warnings in Japan.
Flight Cancellation → The official stopping of scheduled airline flights due to safety or operational concerns.
This Article in a Nutshell
Sendai Airport closed after a huge 8.8 earthquake near Kamchatka triggered a tsunami warning. Airlines canceled flights, impacting thousands. Japan enforces strict safety protocols post-2011 disaster, focusing on quick shutdowns. Two million evacuees face travel chaos; officials urge monitoring updates and following evacuation orders carefully for safety.
— By VisaVerge.com
