OSAKA — With resolutions and sharp words between their governors, Osaka and Hyogo prefectures stepped up their battle over Itami airport this week.
As the central government prepares to decide the fate of Kansai's three airports over the next couple of months, Osaka Gov. Toru Hashimoto is pushing for Itami, officially known as Osaka International Airport and the region's busiest and most-convenient hub, to be closed, while Hyogo Gov. Toshizo Ido wants it kept open.
On Tuesday, the Hyogo Prefectural Assembly passed a resolution calling on Itami airport to continue domestic operations, to increase the number of long-haul domestic flights and to introduce international charter service to neighboring parts of Asia.