Farewell, Airport Express

On Saturday 25 November, annual timetable revision will be taken place on the entire Keikyu network. On this day, all Airport Express services will be renamed simply as Express. This article focuses on Airport Express on the southern part of Keikyu Main Line (i.e. to and from Zushi).

Keikyu introduced Airport Express when it dramatically revised its timetables on 16 May 2010. To meet demand for services between Haneda Airport and Yokohama, the company decided to provide a new service on the southern part of Keikyu Main Line. There had been Express services in the area until 1999, but they were completely different from Airport Express.

At first, Airport Express ran every 20 minutes, most of which were formed of eight coaches and connecting Haneda Airport and Shin-Zushi (now Zushi Hayama) stations. Railway enthusiasts welcomed the timetable revision as 2000 series returned to daytime services for the first time since 2002. Some people using small stations were dissatisfied with Airport Express as the number of stopping services was halved.

As Haneda Airport International Terminal station (now Terminal 3 station) opened in 2012 and ridership increased, Airport Express was doubled to every 10 minutes. There have been some six-car trains since then. The Airport Express was heavily used not only by businesspeople and tourists but also local residents such as those going to school or for shopping.

Literally all types of rolling stock have been used for Airport Express except one. 800 series could not enter Keikyu Airport Line as it was not compatible with platform edge doors at Haneda Airport International Terminal station. Hence, 800 series was used only between Kanagawa-Shimmachi and Shin-Zushi in case of severe service disruption and when there was absolutely no other option.

Airport Express suddenly suffered from low ridership in the 2020s. Just like all other businesses across the country and the world, the impact of COVID-19 pandemic was immense. As international travels to and from Japan had been restricted for two years, the ridership drastically dropped.

Furthermore, staff shortages triggered by poor working conditions amid inflation struck Airport Express: significant reduction of services was carried out last year and Airport Express became every 20 minutes again. Since many services have been consisted of six coaches, the capacity is smaller than back in 2010.

Then, the 13-year history of Airport Express ends on 24 November, a day before the timetable revision. After that day, Express services calling at the same stations will run, a few of which do not start from or terminate at Haneda Airport (that is why the company decided to remove the word Airport). The frequency remains unchanged (every 20 minutes) but it will surely be changed along with other services soon as Keikyu lacks will or capability to deal with pay rises and reduce overworking of station staff and train crews.