A $20 billion airport in the middle of the ocean is shocking to many. The airport serves both local and international travel, and although it boasts a remarkable selection of stores, like Chanel, Hermes, and Cartier, in addition to dining options, what really leaves social media users in awe is the outside of the airport. The airport, known as the Kansai International Airport, is situated in the Greater Osaka Area of Japan in the center of Osaka Bay, off the Honshu Shore.

The notion of building an island, Kankūjima, specifically to house the airport was initially conceived as a way to alleviate congestion at Osaka International Airport. For every airport facility, there are two zones on the island: Terminal One and Terminal Two. The first airport terminal in the world, measuring an astounding 1.7 km, was built by Renzo Piano and is the site of both local and international airline arrivals and departures.

The airport is the third busiest in Japan, handling an astounding 20 million people annually, according to the YouTube channel Design Nerd. One million tons of freight are also transported by it.

And people on social media are amazed by the $20 billion island. A person commented: "Kansai Airport Japan Built in Ocean..see my dear .. what a wonderful site." Another person said, "Wow.. this is awesome.. airport floating in the middle of the ocean." Another stated, "Kansai AirPort is impressive... a man-made Island in the middle of the ocean." Another one said, "Kansai Airport Was Constructed in the Ocean! Fantastic Illustration of Civil Engineering"

The airport has generated controversy, nevertheless, despite its popularity as a travel hub and the support of social media users. The Institute of Civil Engineers (ICE) stated that the initial cost of building the airport was $14 billion, resulting in an astounding $20 billion construction expenditure. The cost has increased to $20 billion by 2008. This includes the reclamation of land, the addition of a second 4,000-meter runway in 2007, and the construction of terminal structures."

However, the Smithsonian Magazine claims that as of 2018, the airport has fallen a concerning 38 feet from when it initially opened in 1994. Advertisement The seawall was raised with an additional $150 million to safeguard the terminals, but by 2056, the island is predicted to sink an additional 13 feet. So, does the airport merit the expenditure? Yes, in the opinion of people working on the project. It has been successful in lessening the problem of Osaka International Airport congestion while also connecting Osaka to the rest of the globe. How long will it last is the question.