Hundreds of Passengers Left in Chaos as 165 Flights Are Delayed and 18 Cancellations Hit Osaka, Tokyo, and New Chitose Airports, with ANA Wings, Japan Airlines, All Nippon, and Others Facing Major Disruptions in Japan, Including Haneda, Itami, Sapporo, and Sendai

Published on December 17, 2025

In a major disruption affecting international and domestic travel, travelers at Osaka, Tokyo, and New Chitose airports are grappling with significant flight delays and cancellations today. With over 150 delayed flights and nearly 30 cancellations across these hubs, both passengers and airlines are struggling to maintain their schedules. The disruptions, largely due to logistical challenges and weather conditions, have severely impacted flight operations, leaving many international visitors in limbo.

The situation at Osaka International Airport (Itami), Tokyo International Airport (Haneda), and New Chitose Airport has prompted travel advisories, with airlines such as ANA Wings, Japan Airlines, and All Nippon taking the brunt of the operational hiccups. As a result, multiple travelers heading to and from the United States, as well as other international destinations, have experienced extended waiting times and altered travel plans.

Osaka Airport Struggles with Delays and Cancellations

At Osaka’s Itami Airport, the effects of the delays have been particularly evident, with a total of 18 delayed flights and 3 cancellations recorded. Among the airlines most affected were ANA Wings, which reported 7 delayed flights (5% of its schedule), and Japan Airlines, which had 6 delays (3%). All Nippon’s operations were relatively smoother, with 5 delayed flights but no cancellations.

As one of Japan’s busiest hubs, Osaka’s Itami Airport plays a critical role in both domestic and international travel, and the disruptions have had widespread consequences. For travelers bound for the United States and other regions, the delays have caused significant knock-on effects, straining airport facilities and requiring operational adjustments.

Airline representatives at the airport have advised passengers to check flight statuses before arriving and to be prepared for extended waiting times. The delay situation remains fluid, and airlines are working with airport authorities to streamline operations and minimize further disruptions.

New Chitose Airport Faces More Severe Delays and Cancellations

New Chitose Airport, located near Sapporo in northern Japan, has been the hardest-hit by delays today, with a staggering 89 delayed flights and 9 cancellations reported. The situation at New Chitose is particularly challenging due to the high volume of domestic flights and the complexity of coordinating international connections, particularly to countries like China and South Korea.

Air Do has seen the highest number of disruptions at the airport, with 9 delayed flights and 8 cancellations, while ANA Wings and All Nippon also experienced several delays, affecting travelers heading to both domestic and international destinations. However, the delays were not limited to the major airlines alone. Other carriers such as China Airlines and Air China were also impacted, with multiple delays and cancellations affecting their Asian routes.

The airport authorities have emphasized the importance of keeping travelers informed, urging them to stay updated through official channels, including the New Chitose Airport website. For those with connecting flights, the disruptions may cause missed connections, adding another layer of complexity to an already challenging situation.

Tokyo Airport Faces Unprecedented Challenges

Tokyo’s Haneda Airport has also been significantly affected, with 58 delays and 6 cancellations reported today. Among the airlines operating at Haneda, Japan Airlines experienced the most significant impact, with 18 delayed flights and 5 cancellations. ANA Wings was another major carrier affected, with 7 delays and no cancellations, while All Nippon recorded 39 delays (15% of its flights).

The scale of the disruptions at Tokyo’s Haneda Airport highlights the airport’s critical role in global air traffic, as it serves as a primary hub for flights between Japan and major destinations in North America, Europe, and Asia. While the majority of delays are due to operational challenges, weather disruptions and technical issues have also contributed to the air traffic chaos.

For international travelers, especially those with connecting flights to the United States or Europe, these delays are likely to have cascading effects. Passengers are advised to contact their airlines for the latest updates and alternative travel options.

Impact on Travelers and Airlines

As disruptions continue to affect airports in Japan, the focus has been on providing clear communication to travelers. With the holiday season approaching, the volume of passengers traveling through these airports is expected to increase, further compounding the challenges airlines and airport authorities are facing.

Despite the disruptions, airlines such as Japan Airlines, ANA Wings, and All Nippon are working diligently to minimize the impact on passengers, offering rebooking services and alternate routes. However, the sheer volume of delayed flights means that travelers may experience longer-than-expected waits or be forced to reschedule their plans entirely.

For passengers impacted by the cancellations, many airlines are offering refunds or travel vouchers, though those looking to reschedule their flights may face higher demand and limited availability. Travelers are advised to be patient as the situation unfolds and to consult their airline’s customer service channels for immediate assistance.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Travel in Japan Amid Disruptions

As the delays and cancellations continue, it is clear that the disruptions at Osaka, Tokyo, and New Chitose airports are part of a broader pattern of challenges faced by Japan’s aviation industry. With the increasing frequency of such incidents, passengers may need to adjust their travel expectations, especially during peak travel periods.

Government officials have urged travelers to plan ahead and consider potential delays when booking flights, particularly during busy seasons like the upcoming New Year holidays. While it is too early to determine the exact cause of the disruptions, weather conditions and the ongoing recovery of the global aviation sector may continue to affect flight schedules in the coming weeks.

For now, travelers flying through Japan’s major airports are advised to remain flexible, stay informed, and prepare for potential delays. Whether you are traveling for business, pleasure, or returning home, Japan’s airports are doing their best to manage the disruptions and ensure safe and efficient travel.

Conclusion: The Ongoing Challenge of Air Travel in Japan

As flight delays and cancellations persist across major Japanese airports, the situation is a stark reminder of the unpredictability that still surrounds global air travel. Osaka, Tokyo, and New Chitose airports are working hard to minimize disruptions, but travelers must remain prepared for the possibility of delays and cancellations.

By staying updated with their airlines and following the advice of airport authorities, passengers can navigate these challenges and make informed decisions about their travel plans. Although the current disruptions are frustrating for many, Japan’s aviation industry is doing everything it can to restore order and keep air travel as smooth as possible.

Source: Flightaware