At 07:27 UTC on 28 July 2026, a magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck the Kumamoto region of southwestern Japan at a depth of 16 km. The earthquake registered a maximum JMA seismic intensity of 7. The tsunami advisory issued by the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) was lifted at 09:10 UTC.
Since the mainshock, seismic activity has remained active, with three aftershocks reaching a maximum JMA seismic intensity of 5 Lower (Shindo 5 Lower) at 07:29 UTC, 08:08 UTC, and 10:03 UTC.
Impact on Kumamoto Airport (RJFT)
Initial Response — Concluded
A NOTAM was issued immediately after the earthquake, temporarily closing Runway 07/25:
RWY 07/25 CLSD DUE TO EARTHQUAKE
Valid: 07:40 – 08:30 UTC, 28 July 2026
This NOTAM has since expired and runway operations have resumed.
Current Operational Status — Active
Tower (TWR) radio frequencies remain restricted due to ongoing earthquake evacuation procedures.
TWR FREQ LTD DUE TO EARTHQUAKE EVACUATION
RMK:
(1) AVBL FREQ (118.7MHZ) FOR ATC SERVICE
(2) ATC LIGHT SIGNAL NOT AVBL
Valid: 13:07 UTC, 28 July 2026 – 12:30 UTC, 29 July 2026 (EST)
■ Available frequency: 118.7 MHz (ATC services ongoing)
■ ATC Light Signals: NOT AVAILABLE
Potential for Further Seismic Activity
JMA has warned that earthquakes of up to seismic intensity 7 may continue to occur, particularly over the next 2–3 days, and urges continued vigilance throughout the coming week.
The epicentral area lies along the Futagawa Fault Zone and the Hinagu Fault Zone. During the 2016 Kumamoto Earthquake sequence, a second intensity-7 event struck approximately 28 hours after the initial mainshock. While no direct link between that sequence and the current events has been confirmed, operators should remain on high alert.
For flight planning purposes, please account for potential aftershock impacts on runway conditions and airport infrastructure. Verify the latest NOTAMs and airport operational notices, and consider designating alternate airports as part of flexible contingency planning.
Note: This bulletin is issued in response to the initial earthquake event. Please continue to monitor the latest updates.
