I visited Konan Airfield as part of my airport conquest. Konan Airfield is the former Okayama Airport — after the current Okayama Momotaro Airport opened in 1988, scheduled passenger services ended here. It’s now used for small aircraft training and scenic flights. Like Yao Airport, it has no passenger flights, but a scenic flight counts as conquering the airport.
Konan Airfield
Located in Minami-ku, Okayama. Opened in 1962 as the original Okayama Airport and served as the prefecture’s main airport until 1988. Okayama Aviation now operates scenic and training flights here.
Public transport access is inconvenient. I visited by car with a friend — about 30 minutes from central Okayama.
Scenic Flight Details
- Operator: Okayama Aviation
- Aircraft: Cessna 172R Skyhawk
- Course: Mizushima Industrial Complex circuit
- Duration: Approximately 30 minutes
- Price: ¥25,410
- Booking: Advance reservation required
Flight Record
The Flight
I flew with a friend. After takeoff, the plane headed south over Kurashiki toward the Mizushima Industrial Complex. Chimneys, oil tanks, and port facilities of the industrial complex were visible from above. The pilot pointed out the highlights.
The aircraft is from the same Cessna 172 series as the 172P I flew at Yao Airport, and the flight feel was similar. There’s the characteristic small-aircraft turbulence, but the weather was good that day and the ride was relatively stable.
Why This Scenic Flight
Konan Airfield has no passenger services, so there’s no reason to visit through normal travel. To conquer it as part of my airport list, I used a scenic flight. Other airports conquered via scenic flights include Yao Airport and Ryūgasaki Airfield.