Jetstar returns to Kansai after Typhoon Jebi

Jetstar will resume operations to Kansai International Airport on Wednesday more than  two weeks after Typhoon Jebi caused widespread flooding and damage Authorities have been gradually restoring services at the airport and the rail connection re-opened Tuesday. The typhoon flooded one of the airports two runways and Terminal 1 while a ship smashed into the road bridge connecting the man-made island with the mainland. At one stage 8000 people were estimated to be trapped at the airport Some airlines were able to operate out of the undamaged Terminal 2 once the airport re-opened but Terminal 1 was closed until it resumed partial operations last week. Jetstar operates from Terminal 1 and services Kansai through Jetstar Airways, Jetstar Pacific, Jetstar Asia and Jetstar Japan. It said many of its international and domestic flights to and from Osaka would resume normal operations from September 19. SEE our ratings for Jetstar. But it warned cancellations would still apply until the airport returned to full capacity. “If your flight has been canceled, you will be contacted directly via SMS and email with alternative options,’’ it said, asking passengers to ensure contact details were up to date. The airline said call centers were experiencing significant traffic but it would keep its travel alert current. There were also a number of options available for those who wanted to change their travel plans. “Our aim is to resume all our schedule flights as soon as it is safe for us to do so, however, it may take some time to resume a full schedule,’’ it said. The airline also warned of congestion at Kansai, urging passengers to use online check-in and arrive at least two hours before departure. Canceled services over the next two days include flights to Sapporo New Chitose, Fukuoka, Narita, Tapei, Hanoi and Hong Kong. Full details are on the airline’s website.