Japan Airlines Flight Diverts to Narita After Tyre Malfunction Report
The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism confirms possible tyre issues on Flight 645 en route to Kagoshima.
Japan Airlines Flight 645 executed an emergency landing at Narita Airport on the morning of May 29, 2026, following a reported technical issue shortly after departure. The aircraft, which had taken off from Haneda Airport bound for Kagoshima Airport, requested an immediate diversion due to a suspected malfunction with its tyres.
According to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, the crew identified a possible irregularity with the aircraft's tyres during the initial phase of the flight. The decision to divert was made in accordance with standard aviation safety protocols, with the flight altering its course to land safely at Narita Airport rather than proceeding to its intended destination in Kyushu.
The emergency landing resulted in the temporary closure of Runway A at Narita Airport. While the Ministry confirmed the nature of the alert as a possible malfunction, specific details regarding the extent of the tyre damage or the precise mechanical cause remain unconfirmed in initial reports.
The incident highlights the operational interplay between Tokyo’s primary aviation hubs, with Haneda and Narita serving as critical nodes for domestic connectivity. Emergency diversions for technical faults are a standard component of Japan’s aviation safety framework, designed to mitigate risks before they escalate.
As of the morning of May 29, the status of the runway and the condition of the aircraft were being assessed. No further details regarding potential injuries to passengers or crew were provided in the immediate aftermath of the landing.
