ANA and JAL to coordinate flight schedules on Haneda–Okayama route

ANA and JAL have announced a first-of-its-kind coordination of flight schedules on the Haneda–Okayama route, beginning with the winter schedule in late October 2026. To improve passenger convenience and maintain the viability of domestic routes, the two competing airlines will adjust departure and arrival times so that their flights do not overlap closely. Currently, some flights depart within 5 to 25 minutes of each other; the new adjustment aims to create gaps of 55 to 65 minutes.

This move follows a May 2026 advisory from a Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism expert panel, which concluded that such schedule adjustments would not violate anti-monopoly laws provided they do not involve fare-fixing agreements. The airlines are facing significant economic pressure due to rising fuel costs and a decline in business travel following the pandemic.

In addition to the Okayama coordination, both airlines are implementing service reductions on other routes to improve profitability. JAL will reduce its Haneda–Komatsu service from six to four daily round trips, a move experts suggest could impact regional connectivity as business travelers increasingly opt for Shinkansen services.