Passengers check in at the Air Mobility Command passenger counter at Kadena Air Base on Okinawa Wednesday. The terminal reopened Monday after a $2 million renovation that included upgrades in seating and improved waiting areas. (Natasha Lee / Stars and Stripes)
KADENA AIR BASE, Okinawa — The airport passenger terminal fully re-opened this week after a $2 million facelift.
The refurbished digs include an additional check-in gate, plusher seating, modern rest areas, and seven new flat screen TVs that can be used to alert passengers of schedule changes.
The terminal was redesigned to create a more spacious and comfortable area for passengers waiting to board space-available flights.
The project took 16 months.
"Sometimes people are waiting for a couple of days. We want to provide a nice environment for them," said Air Force Capt. David Hansell, flight commander of passenger operations for the 733rd Air Mobility Squadron, which runs the airport.
The terminal services from 65,000 to 70,000 passengers each year, and about 6,000 flights, said terminal superintendent Air Force Master Sgt. Richard Malik.
Now three gates are available to assist and check-in customers.
It had been at least 10 years since the terminal’s last renovation, Malik said.
Upgrades also include retrofitted restrooms to accommodate the disabled and a children’s playroom.
Hansell said a waiting lounge outside the playroom will be completed shortly.
Passengers check in at the Air Mobility Command passenger counter at Kadena Air Base on Okinawa Wednesday. The terminal reopened Monday after a $2 million renovation that included upgrades in seating and improved waiting areas. (Natasha Lee / Stars and Stripes)
The Zen room at the Air Mobility Command passenger terminal at Kadena Air Base on Okinawa was one of several cosmetic upgrades to create a comfortable environment for passengers waiting to board flights. (Natasha Lee/Stars and Stripes)
