Japan Celebrates T’way Air Return To Guam With Special Chamorro-Inspired Culinary Event In Osaka To Mark The Resumption Of Daily Flights

Published on July 19, 2025

T’way Air’s KIX-GUM route returning; Slim profile chairs, circa 2016: The Guam Visitors Bureau (GVB), in partnership with the Guam International Airport Authority (GIAA), welcomed the return from Kansai, Japan to Guam of South Korean airline T’way Air. The first flight, TW 509, arrived at 3:24 p.m. on Friday, July 18, 2025, delivering 184 passengers to the island, and its arrival is seen as a major boost in the recovery of Guam’s tourism economy.

The arrival of the flight was celebrated with a warm welcome from officials of GVB and GIAA, alongside members of the local government. Passengers and crew were greeted with traditional leis and offered local treats, showcasing the island’s renowned hospitality.

The excitement surrounding the return of T’way Air was palpable, with officials expressing optimism about the economic boost this new flight frequency could provide to Guam. The resumption of daily flights, which exceeds pre-pandemic frequencies, signals a renewed commitment by the airline to serve Guam as a major destination for Japanese travelers.

Adding to the festive spirit, the iconic Ko’ko’ Bird made an appearance, offering passengers the chance for memorable photos upon arrival. In addition, a ceremonial water salute, performed by GIAA’s Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) team, marked T’way’s return, honoring the airline’s resumed service after a suspension that began in February 2020 due to the global pandemic.

Before the pandemic led to a halt in operations, T’way Air had been a reliable and frequent carrier to Guam. The return to daily services marks an important milestone, as the airline now provides more flight options than it did prior to the pandemic, indicating strong support for the island as a prime destination.

To mark this important occasion, a special celebration titled “T’way Guam Celebration Night” took place on Wednesday, July 17, 2025, at Senba Kitchen Kita-Umeda in Osaka, Japan. From 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM, guests were treated to a unique Chamorro-inspired menu crafted by distinguished chefs from Guam, showcasing the island’s rich culinary heritage. This menu, designed to showcase the island’s distinct culinary offerings, was the result of a collaborative effort between local chefs and their counterparts in Japan. The event aimed to bring Guam’s unique flavors to the Japanese market and promote the island’s rich cultural heritage.

The evening also provided an opportunity for Japanese travelers and tourism professionals to reconnect with Guam’s diverse offerings. This collaboration is part of GVB’s broader efforts to foster deeper cultural ties between Japan and Guam, enhancing Guam’s position as a sought-after destination for travelers from Japan.

The President and CEO of GVB attended the Osaka event, emphasizing the importance of T’way’s Kansai route for both tourism and economic growth. The President expressed excitement about the opportunities the route would bring, including plans to highlight key upcoming events like the Tumon Night Market and the Guam International Dance Festival, with promotional campaigns running through 2026.

The Director of Global Marketing at GVB also highlighted the strategic importance of this route’s resumption, noting that it strengthens the connection between Guam and Japan’s Kansai region. The increased flight frequency not only offers greater capacity but also significantly contributes to the island’s efforts to attract more Japanese visitors.

Approximately 30 travel trade partners and media representatives from Japan attended the event, eager to reconnect with Guam’s tourism offerings and learn about new developments. The celebration was supported by contributions from travel agencies and local businesses, who provided valuable prizes for the event, further enhancing the connection between Guam and Japan.

A new decision from T’way Air to add daily flights at Kansai sees a further 14,000 seats injected into the Japan market during 4Q FY2025. This excess capacity is also anticipated to significantly contribute to the increase in the number of Japanese visitors, which is critical to reviving Guam’s tourism. With direct access to the island, the new flights make travel more convenient and further solidify Guam’s position as a premier destination.

Following the return of T’way Air, there will be a huge ripple effect for local tourism and the relationship between Japan and Guam to grow, and the economy will grow as a whole. This is a game-changer for the island’s tourism recovery and secures nowhere but Guam as a must-visit destination for Japanese and to Japan by extension.