Internationalisation in Fukushima Prefecture received a major boost in mid-June with the commencement of scheduled international air services at Fukushima Airport. The opening of new routes follows the completion earlier this year of a new international terminal and an expanded runway and taxi area at the nedgling airport.
Services are now being offered to two destinations, Shanghai, China and Seoul, South Korea through Eastern China Airlines and Asiana Airlines.
Generating much local interest, Vice Governor Akira Kawate led a prefectural delegation aboard the first scheduled flight to Shanghai on 16 June, with Prefectural Treasurer Sadao Watanabe among passengers aboard the first flight to Seoul on the 22nd. Regular flights are now in operation for both destinations, with flights to Shanghai available twice weekly on Monday and Thursday and to Seoul three times weekly on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Both routes have already proved popular with locals, with initial flights running at near full capacity.

It is hoped that the introduction of international services will strengthen exchange between the prefecture and China and South Korea, in addition to increasing regional tourism. Hopes are high that not only the residents of Fukushima, but also people living in the neighbouring prefectures of Tochigi and Ibaraki will fully utilise the new-improved Fukushima Airport in the future.