Hokkaido Airports to Host CAPA Airline Leader Summit Asia 2026 at New Chitose Airport as Global Aviation Chiefs Gather in Japan for High-Level Strategic Talks on the Future of Air Transport, Sustainability, and Asia-Pacific Growth Transformation

Written By: Ricky Acharjee

Ricky Acharjee

I am travel writer at Travel And Tour World with 3 years of experience covering global tourism, aviation, hospitality, and destination news. Dedicated to accurate reporting and compelling storytelling, Ricky explores the trends, innovations, and developments shaping the international travel industry while delivering engaging insights for travellers and industry professionals.

See Full Bio

June 23, 2026 10:39 PM

Image generated with Ai

Hokkaido Airports is set to host one of the most influential aviation gatherings in the Asia-Pacific region as the CAPA Airline Leader Summit Asia 2026 convenes in Japan. The two-day conference will take place at Portom Hall, located within New Chitose Airport in Hokkaido, bringing together senior decision-makers from across the global air transport sector to assess the industry’s evolving strategic direction.

The summit arrives at a critical juncture for aviation, as airlines, airports, and regulators continue to adapt to shifting demand cycles, cost pressures, and rapid structural changes in international connectivity. Positioned as a high-level forum, the event will serve as a platform for examining how Asia-Pacific aviation can sustain growth while navigating sustainability obligations, capacity constraints, and emerging market realignments.

Strategic Aviation Dialogue at a Global Level

The CAPA Airline Leader Summit Asia 2026 is expected to host airline chief executives, airport authorities, government representatives, and key aviation stakeholders from multiple regions. The discussions will focus on long-term industry transformation, with particular attention on sustainability frameworks, digitalisation in aviation operations, and evolving passenger demand patterns across Asia’s rapidly expanding travel markets.

A central theme of the summit will be the identification of new growth corridors, especially in emerging secondary cities and underserved international routes. Industry leaders will also examine how geopolitical uncertainty, fuel price volatility, and shifting consumer behaviour are reshaping airline network strategies. The objective is to generate actionable insights that can guide future investment, policy coordination, and infrastructure development across the region.

Hokkaido’s Rising Role in Global Tourism

Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost and second-largest island, has steadily strengthened its position as a leading international tourism destination. The region is widely recognised for its natural landscapes, seasonal diversity, and strong cultural identity. From snow-covered winters that attract ski tourism to lush summer environments that support outdoor travel experiences, Hokkaido has built a year-round visitor economy that continues to expand.

The island’s tourism performance has been supported by improved air access, growing international awareness, and diversified travel offerings. This combination has positioned Hokkaido as one of Japan’s most resilient regional tourism markets, capable of maintaining steady visitor flows across seasonal cycles. The region’s appeal extends beyond leisure tourism, increasingly attracting business events, conventions, and international conferences.

Expanding Airport Capacity and Passenger Growth

Hokkaido Airports is reporting sustained operational growth, with passenger traffic projected to exceed 32.5 million in the fiscal year 2025/26, representing an estimated annual increase of around 6 percent. This growth trajectory reflects both the recovery of international travel and the strengthening of domestic mobility within Japan.

New Chitose Airport, the primary gateway serving the Sapporo metropolitan area and wider Hokkaido region, achieved a historic milestone in 2025 by handling 25.8 million passengers. This record performance underscores its strategic importance as the central aviation hub driving regional tourism, trade connectivity, and airline network expansion.

The airport’s growth has been supported by expanded airline capacity, the restoration of international routes, and improved network integration across Asia-Pacific carriers. These factors have collectively reinforced its role as a critical node in Japan’s broader aviation infrastructure.

Strengthening International Connectivity

International expansion remains a key focus for New Chitose Airport, with several major route developments scheduled for the upcoming travel cycles. Air Canada is preparing to launch seasonal flights connecting Vancouver and New Chitose from December 2026, marking the airport’s first direct air link to North America. This development is expected to significantly enhance long-haul accessibility to northern Japan.

United Airlines is also planning seasonal operations between San Francisco and New Chitose during the same period, further strengthening transpacific connectivity and expanding inbound tourism potential from the United States.

In addition, Qantas is reinstating its Sydney–Sapporo service after a six-year suspension. The carrier plans to increase frequency to as many as five weekly flights during the peak winter season of 2026, reflecting strong demand for Japanese winter tourism and improved bilateral travel flows.

Regional Airport Network Expansion

Beyond the primary hub, Hokkaido’s secondary airports are also experiencing notable international development. Obihiro and Hakodate airports are expanding their global connectivity with new and enhanced services, including direct routes to Seoul Incheon. Increased seat capacity on services linking Taipei further strengthens Hokkaido’s integration into key East Asian travel markets.

These developments form part of a broader strategy aimed at decentralising air traffic and improving accessibility across the entire region. By diversifying entry points, Hokkaido is strengthening its tourism resilience while supporting regional economic development beyond major urban centres.

Industry Leadership and Strategic Exchange

The CAPA Airline Leader Summit Asia 2026 will serve as a critical platform for high-level dialogue between aviation leaders, policymakers, and infrastructure planners. The agenda will emphasise data-driven analysis, policy coordination, and strategic foresight aimed at addressing the structural challenges facing global aviation.

Confirmed speakers include senior executives from major international carriers and aviation organisations such as Mitsuko Tottori of Japan Airlines, Jeanette Mao of HK Express, Bernard Hsu of Tigerair Taiwan, Gonçalo Pires of Air Astana, and Hasan Alsharaf of Gulf Air. Their participation highlights the summit’s global reach and its role in shaping industry perspectives across multiple markets.

The event is expected to reinforce Hokkaido’s position not only as a tourism powerhouse but also as a strategic aviation dialogue hub within the Asia-Pacific region.

Claudia Kunz, Senior Director of Events at CAPA, said: “We are delighted to partner with Hokkaido Airports to host the CAPA Airline Leader Summit Asia 2026. Hokkaido’s strategic importance and vibrant culture make it an ideal location to gather aviation leaders from across the region. This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to driving innovation and fostering meaningful dialogue within the industry. I am excited about the opportunities this summit will create to shape the future of aviation together.”

“We warmly welcome the holding of this international forum in Hokkaido, which will explore the future of the aviation network. Amidst the changes and challenges facing the world, the aviation industry is called upon to take the lead in achieving sustainable and resilient growth. We hope that this conference will serve as a catalyst for new cooperation and innovation aimed at the development of the aviation industry in Asia and around the world. Hokkaido Airport extends a warm welcome to all those gathering here from across the globe.” – Kenjiro Karahashi, Managing Director, Hokkaido Airports

The CAPA Airline Leader Summit Asia 2026 is scheduled to be held on 1–2 October at Portom Hall, located within New Chitose Airport in Hokkaido, Japan.