Postwar
During the American occupation of Japan, this airfield was used by the United States Army Air Force (USAAF) and later the United States Air Force (USAF). Known as Chitose Air Base (ChitoseAB) and was under the operational control of the 314th Air Division at Johnson AFB, and primarily used for aircraft maintenance and logistics between 1947 until the start of the Korean War.

American units based at Chitose
309th BW, 3rd Air Commando Group October 1945 - March 1946
49th Fighter Group (49th Fighter Wing) February 1946–April 1948
Technical Service Command
4th FW (F-86) Kimpo September 1954 - July 1, 1957 deactivated
6029th Support Group

During the Korean War, the 6163d Air Base Wing was activated at Chitose on January 1, 1951. and the base was used as an emergency landing field for aircraft returning from missions over Korea, and for maintenance and repair depot.

During 1951, Japan Airlines began civilian flights from Chitose Airport to Haneda Airport. The USAF presence was inactivated by December 31, 1957 and the airport was returned to the Japanese. Still, an American communications remained until December 1970, until their operations ceased on June 30, 1975.

Used by the Japan Air Self-Defense Force for monitoring Japan's maritime borders with the Soviet Union (USSR). Also as the primary civilian airport in Hokkaido, until the New Chitose Airport in 1988. The passenger terminal at Chitose Airport opened in 1963.

Today
All civilian passenger service was transferred to New Chitose Airport in 1988. Still in use by the Japan Air Self-Defense Force. Airport code: ICAO: RJCJ.

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Last Updated
April 19, 2025