Naha Airport in Okinawa Prefecture, southern Japan, closed its runway for several hours on Tuesday (August 14) after a Japan Self-Defense Force fighter jet experienced a landing gear issue immediately after touching down, according to Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.
The incident occurred when the fighter jet was unable to move along the runway due to a broken landing gear component. This forced authorities to temporarily suspend runway operations for handling, affecting flight schedules at Naha International Airport – one of the key aviation gateways for the Okinawa region.
The detailed cause of the incident is still under investigation by authorities. No information on casualties has been reported in connection with the incident.
Okinawa hosts several Japanese and U.S. military bases, meaning military and civilian operations often share airspace and aviation infrastructure in the area.
