Winds, Obama delay Haneda flights

Inclement weather and U.S. President Barack Obama's departure delayed more than 500 flights by at least 30 minutes at Haneda airport in Tokyo on Saturday and caused more than 20 to be canceled, the transport ministry said.

Strong winds and rain restricted the use of runways from early in the morning, causing more than 100 flight delays or cancellations by noon, the Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Ministry said.

Although the rain subsided in the afternoon, Obama's departure caused further delays by forcing one runway to be closed for about 20 minutes exclusively so Air Force One could take off, the ministry said.

About 60 flights depart from or land at Haneda every hour, except very early in the morning and late at night.