Japan has introduced new aviation safety measures requiring all ground vehicles operating on runways at major airports to be equipped with tracking transponders, in a move aimed at preventing collisions and runway incursions.
The policy, implemented by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, applies to eight key airports, including Tokyo’s Haneda and Narita. Around 530 transponders have been deployed across a range of vehicles, including fire engines, aircraft towing units, construction machinery, and patrol vehicles.
The system enables air traffic controllers to monitor real-time vehicle movements on runways, significantly enhancing situational awareness and reducing the risk of accidents involving aircraft and ground equipment.
The decision follows a series of safety concerns, including incidents involving unauthorized or poorly monitored vehicle movements on runways. It also builds on broader aviation safety reforms introduced after a high-profile runway collision in Tokyo in 2024.
Officials say the upgraded tracking system aligns with global aviation safety standards and reflects growing efforts to modernize airport operations and prevent potentially catastrophic incidents.
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