AIRDO Expands Japan Domestic Network With 64 Daily Flights Across 11 Routes for Winter Travel

AIRDO will improve Japan’s winter travel system on October 25. AIRDO’s improvements include up to 64 flights that will be flown daily on 11 of Japan’s domestic routes. AIRDO’s winter timetable improvements will include added flights that will connect Tokyo, Hokkaido and even more regional flights to better meet the winter demand and tourism influx surrounding the drift ice seasons.

AIRDO looks to create more flight routes to the northern region of Japan while meeting demand on other flight routes to larger cities and regional airport routes. The sales of new tickets for the winter flight routes AIRDO has scheduled will begin on August 25. This allows travelers to make travel plans for Japan during the winter season.

Why This Matters for Travellers

The AIRDO winter schedule 2026 gives travellers more flexibility when visiting Japan during the colder months, especially those heading to Hokkaido for snow experiences, winter festivals, nature tourism and seasonal attractions.

With increased flight frequency on key routes, passengers will have more options for planning short breaks, domestic connections and winter holidays without relying on limited daily services.

Key Changes Travellers Can Expect This Winter

• AIRDO will operate up to 32 round trips per day, connecting 11 domestic routes.
• The airline will provide up to 12 daily round trips between Tokyo Haneda and Sapporo New Chitose.
• Increased seasonal services will support travel demand during Hokkaido’s winter tourism period.
• Additional flights will improve access to destinations known for snow, wildlife and winter landscapes.

The expanded schedule highlights the growing importance of domestic aviation in supporting Japan’s regional tourism economy. Better air connectivity allows more visitors to explore destinations beyond Tokyo and Osaka.

What Has Changed in AIRDO’s Winter Flight Network?

AIRDO’s winter timetable introduces a balanced network of high-frequency routes and seasonal adjustments. The airline will continue focusing on Hokkaido connectivity while maintaining links between major Japanese cities.

The Tokyo Haneda–Sapporo New Chitose route remains the centre of AIRDO’s winter network, reflecting strong demand between Japan’s capital and Hokkaido’s largest city.

Major Routes Included in the Winter Schedule

• Tokyo Haneda–Sapporo New Chitose: Up to 12 daily round trips.
• Tokyo Haneda–Asahikawa: Three daily round trips.
• Tokyo Haneda–Obihiro: Three daily round trips, adjusted during increased Memanbetsu operations.
• Sapporo New Chitose–Sendai: Three daily round trips.
• Tokyo Haneda–Hakodate: Two daily round trips.
• Tokyo Haneda–Memanbetsu: Two daily round trips, increasing to three during the drift ice season.
• Tokyo Haneda–Kushiro: Two daily round trips.
• Sapporo New Chitose–Kobe: Two daily round trips.
• Sapporo New Chitose–Fukuoka: One daily round trip.
• Nagoya Chubu–Sapporo New Chitose: One daily round trip.
• Nagoya Chubu–Hakodate: One daily round trip.

These connections create more opportunities for travellers to combine urban sightseeing with regional winter experiences.

How Will Seasonal Flights Support Hokkaido Winter Tourism?

Hokkaido remains one of Japan’s strongest winter tourism destinations, attracting visitors with snow-covered landscapes, ski resorts, hot springs, seafood experiences and seasonal natural events.

AIRDO’s increased service on selected routes reflects the demand for winter travel to northern Japan. The airline will particularly strengthen flights to Memanbetsu during the drift ice season, when the region becomes a major attraction for domestic and international visitors.

Seasonal Adjustments During the Winter Period

• Tokyo Haneda–Sapporo New Chitose late-night flights will operate five round trips per week until January.
• From February, late-night services on the route will increase to one daily round trip.
• Tokyo Haneda–Memanbetsu services will rise to three daily round trips during the drift ice season.
• Tokyo Haneda–Obihiro services will temporarily reduce to two daily round trips during this period.

These adjustments show how airlines are adapting capacity according to seasonal tourism patterns rather than maintaining identical schedules throughout the year.

What Travellers Should Know Before Booking

Travellers planning winter trips in Japan should review the updated timetable carefully before purchasing tickets. Seasonal routes may change depending on demand periods and operational requirements.

Before Booking

• Ticket sales for the winter schedule begin on August 25.
• Flights operate from October 25 during the winter timetable period.
• Travellers visiting Hokkaido should consider booking early during peak winter months.
• Drift ice season services may provide additional travel options to northern destinations.
• Flight availability and schedules should be confirmed through official AIRDO channels.

The winter schedule provides more choices, but travellers should plan early for popular periods such as school holidays, New Year travel and seasonal festivals.

Industry Impact: How Does AIRDO’s Expansion Support Regional Travel?

AIRDO’s expanded winter operation demonstrates how regional airlines continue to play an important role in connecting Japan’s major cities with smaller destinations.

Improved domestic connectivity supports local tourism businesses, hotels, attractions and transportation providers by making regional destinations easier to reach.

Benefits for Japan’s Domestic Tourism Network

• More flights can encourage travellers to explore lesser-known destinations.
• Regional airports gain stronger connections with major population centres.
• Seasonal tourism destinations receive additional visitor access.
• Domestic travel demand can be distributed beyond Japan’s largest cities.

The schedule reflects a broader aviation trend in Japan, where airlines are aligning capacity with changing traveller preferences and seasonal tourism demand.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will AIRDO begin its winter schedule?

AIRDO’s winter schedule will begin on October 25.

How many flights will AIRDO operate during the winter period?

The airline will operate up to 64 flights per day, equivalent to 32 round trips, across 11 domestic routes.

Which AIRDO route will have the highest frequency?

The Tokyo Haneda–Sapporo New Chitose route will operate with up to 12 daily round trips.

When do AIRDO winter tickets go on sale?

Ticket sales will begin on August 25.

Will AIRDO increase flights for the drift ice season?

Yes. The Tokyo Haneda–Memanbetsu route will increase to three daily round trips mainly during the drift ice season.

Closing Update

AIRDO improves Japan’s domestic travel network by offering more options during winter to travel to Tokyo and to Hokkaido as well as the surrounding regions. The winter schedule should improve by providing travelers more options for winter activities as well as growing tourism in the region. AIRDO is offering more seasonal capacity to fulfill travel demand during one of the most popular travel periods in the country by strengthening its connections to northern Japan.