A regional airport in southwest Japan was closed on Wednesday after a U.S. bombshell, likely dropped during World War Two to stem “kamikaze” attacks, exploded near its runway, causing nearly 90 flight cancellations.
The runway shutdown has led to the grounding of 87 flights but there is no danger of any further explosions and repair works to fill the hole should be completed by Thursday morning, said Japan’s top government spokesperson Yoshimasa Hayashi.
Previous bomb discoveries
Located at the southeast end of Kyushu island, Miyazaki airport was formerly a Japanese navy base until the end of World War Two, from where hundreds of young “kamikaze” pilots set off on their final missions, according to the Miyazaki city website.
Multiple unexploded bombs have previously been found at Miyazaki airport, the transport ministry official said.