Airlines expand and adjust flight schedules in Japan

Major airlines are implementing significant schedule changes and service expansions across Japan for the 2026 winter flight season.

In domestic aviation, All Nippon Airways (ANA) and Japan Airlines (JAL) have adjusted their flight schedules for the Haneda–Okayama route starting October 25. By staggering departure times for specific flights, the carriers aim to increase convenience and maintain the domestic network despite declining business travel. The two airlines are also collaborating on ground operations at Okayama Airport to improve efficiency.

International services are seeing substantial growth. Emirates has increased its Narita–Dubai service to daily flights, bringing the total number of daily round trips between Tokyo and Dubai to three. ANA has also transitioned its Narita–Perth route to daily service to meet high demand for tourism and business.

Additionally, United Airlines has resumed its Narita–Chicago service with daily flights using Boeing 787-8 aircraft. The airline plans further expansions, including a new Sapporo/New Chitose–San Francisco route in December 2026 and upcoming services from Okinawa and Kansai.