Eastar Jet Expands Sapporo Seoul Flights With Four Daily Round Trips Boosting Hokkaido Winter Travel

The airline Eastar Jet will be expanding its Eastar Jet Sapporo Seoul services by adding additional services between the New Chitose airport of Japan and Seoul Incheon airport of South Korea, up to a total of four daily round trips during its busiest tourism period of winter. The new services will begin operation on December 25, 2026.

The additional services will run till February 9, 2027, which will coincide with the winter tourism season of Hokkaido, when many tourists visit Japan for skiing and enjoying the winter landscape of Hokkaido. These additional services will help in raising the existing capacity of three daily round trip services to four daily round trip services.

The expansion will further strengthen the link between South Korea and Hokkaido and at the same time enhance the international capacity of New Chitose airport of Japan.

Why This Matters for Travellers

Airline frequency directly affects how easily travellers can plan international trips. A route with more daily flights gives passengers greater flexibility in choosing departure times, arranging short holidays, and connecting with other transport services.

The Sapporo–Seoul route is particularly important because South Korea is one of the key international markets for Hokkaido tourism. Many visitors travel to the region during winter to experience snow activities, ski resorts, and Japan’s famous northern landscapes.

More flight choices improve winter travel flexibility

The Eastar Jet expansion will benefit travellers through:

• Additional daily flight availability between Hokkaido and South Korea.
• More convenient travel planning during the winter peak season.
• Better access for South Korean tourists visiting Hokkaido.
• More options for Japanese travellers heading to Seoul.
• Increased flexibility for business and leisure passengers.

For travellers, the additional flights mean fewer restrictions caused by limited schedules and greater opportunities to select convenient travel times.

What Has Changed With Eastar Jet’s New Chitose Seoul Route

Eastar Jet currently operates the New Chitose–Seoul Incheon route three times daily. Under the updated winter schedule, the airline will introduce additional flights to increase the route’s maximum frequency.

The increase is part of a broader trend of airlines adding capacity to popular Asia-Pacific tourism routes as demand continues to recover and grow.

New seasonal flights increase route capacity

The updated Eastar Jet schedule includes:

• Route: Sapporo/New Chitose Airport (CTS) – Seoul/Incheon Airport (ICN).
• Current frequency: Three round trips per day.
• New maximum frequency: Four round trips per day.
• Additional flights: ZE627 and ZE628.
• Additional operation period: December 25, 2026, to February 9, 2027.
• Aircraft type: Boeing 737-8.
• Additional operating days: Monday, Tuesday, and Friday.

The extra flights are designed to handle increased passenger demand during one of the most popular travel periods for Hokkaido.

How the Additional Eastar Jet Flights Will Operate

The newly added services will provide additional daytime travel options between Japan and South Korea.

The schedule gives passengers another choice alongside Eastar Jet’s existing daily services.

New flight timings provide more options for passengers

The added flights will operate as:

ZE628

• Route: New Chitose Airport to Seoul Incheon Airport.
• Departure: 13:55.
• Arrival: 17:10.
• Operating days: Monday, Tuesday, Friday.

ZE627

• Route: Seoul Incheon Airport to New Chitose Airport.
• Departure: 10:25.
• Arrival: 12:55.
• Operating days: Monday, Tuesday, Friday.

The services will operate using Boeing 737-8 aircraft, a narrow-body aircraft commonly used for regional international routes.

The additional daytime schedule may be especially useful for travellers planning connections, hotel arrivals, or shorter winter trips.

Why This Matters for Hokkaido Tourism

Hokkaido has become one of Asia’s leading winter tourism destinations, attracting visitors with its world-famous snow conditions, ski resorts, natural scenery, food experiences, and winter events.

International flights are essential for maintaining visitor access because many overseas travellers rely on direct connections to reach the island.

More international flights strengthen Hokkaido’s winter appeal

The expanded Eastar Jet service could support:

• Increased arrivals from South Korea.
• Greater visitor numbers during the snow season.
• More tourism spending across Hokkaido.
• Stronger demand for hotels, restaurants, and local attractions.
• Improved access to ski and winter destinations.

For regional tourism businesses, additional airline capacity can provide greater opportunities to attract international visitors.

How New Chitose Airport Is Becoming a Stronger International Gateway

New Chitose Airport is the main aviation gateway for Hokkaido and plays a critical role in connecting the region with overseas markets.

The airport has been experiencing increasing international interest as airlines expand services linked to winter leisure demand.

Winter travel demand drives international aviation growth

The growth of international routes at New Chitose reflects:

• Rising popularity of Hokkaido winter holidays.
• Strong demand from Asian travellers.
• Increased airline confidence in regional tourism.
• More competition among international carriers.
• Greater accessibility for overseas visitors.

Eastar Jet’s frequency increase adds another important link between Hokkaido and one of its closest international markets.

The Importance of Japan–South Korea Air Connectivity

Japan and South Korea have strong tourism and business connections, with frequent passenger movement between the two countries.

Routes connecting regional Japanese airports with Seoul provide important access beyond major cities such as Tokyo and Osaka.

Regional flights support wider travel opportunities

The expanded New Chitose–Seoul service contributes to:

• Stronger tourism exchange between Japan and South Korea.
• Easier regional travel.
• More choices for independent travellers.
• Increased business mobility.
• Better access to seasonal destinations.

The route demonstrates how regional aviation can support both tourism and economic relationships.

What Travellers Should Know

Passengers planning winter trips between Hokkaido and South Korea should review the updated Eastar Jet schedule before booking.

The additional flights are seasonal and are currently planned only for the winter period between December 25, 2026, and February 9, 2027.

Before Booking Eastar Jet Flights

Travellers should know:

• Airline: Eastar Jet.
• Route: New Chitose Airport – Seoul Incheon Airport.
• Increase begins: December 25, 2026.
• Additional flights end: February 9, 2027.
• Maximum frequency: Four round trips per day.
• Added flight numbers: ZE627 and ZE628.
• Aircraft: Boeing 737-8.
• Operating days for additional flights: Monday, Tuesday, and Friday.

Passengers should check final schedules, ticket conditions, baggage rules, and possible seasonal changes before completing reservations.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will Eastar Jet add more Sapporo Seoul flights?

The additional services begin on December 25, 2026.

How many flights will Eastar Jet operate after the increase?

The route will operate up to four round trips per day.

Which aircraft will fly the additional services?

The added flights will use Boeing 737-8 aircraft.

How long will the increased schedule continue?

The additional flights are scheduled from December 25, 2026, until February 9, 2027.

Why is Eastar Jet increasing flights?

The airline is responding to stronger winter travel demand between Hokkaido and South Korea.

Closing Update

The expansion of the New Chitose-Incheon, Seoul route by Eastar Jet indicates the continued robustness of the winter tourism market between Japan and South Korea. Through this move, the company is set to offer additional travel convenience to the passengers as well as promote international tourism growth of Hokkaido.

The development also follows the trends observed in other parts of Asia, where airlines have been increasing capacity on their major routes to cater for shifting travel patterns. With continued development of the international connections at New Chitose airport, air connectivity will prove to be an essential element in attracting visitors to Hokkaido during winter.