Train services in Tokyo faced major disruption this weekend due to construction work on the Haneda Airport access line. East Japan Railway Co. confirmed the start of track-switching operations early Saturday.
As a result, services on both the Yamanote and Keihin-Tohoku lines have been suspended or significantly reduced. The operator said the disruptions would impact approximately 550,000 commuters over the weekend.
On Saturday and Sunday, the outer loop of the Yamanote Line between Ueno and Osaki stations is closed. Similarly, the Keihin-Tohoku Line between Higashi-Jujo and Shinagawa stations is also suspended during the same period.
Additionally, the inner loop of the Yamanote Line between Osaki and Ueno will stop running on Sunday morning. JR East has reduced services on both lines by up to 60 percent.
The ongoing construction work supports a long-term plan to create the new Haneda Airport access line. This line aims to connect central Tokyo more efficiently with Haneda Airport, located south of the city.
JR East is expanding the platform at Tamachi Station and moving nearby tracks. These efforts mark the early stages of the major project aimed at improving airport connectivity.
Commuters have been urged to use alternative transportation. Subway systems and other rail services remain operational and can help ease the travel burden during the closures.
The Haneda Airport access line includes three planned routes. One will start from Tokyo Station, and another will originate from Shin-Kiba Station. The third line will link these central locations directly to Haneda.
Once completed by fiscal 2031, the route from Shin-Kiba will also improve access to Tokyo Disney Resort. Tourists landing at Haneda will benefit greatly from this expanded transport link.
The Haneda Airport access line project continues to reshape how travelers move through Japan’s capital.
