Travel Disrupted in Japan as Airports of Tokyo, Sapporo and Fukuoka Experiences 27 Flight Cancellations and over 400 Delays by Air Do and other Airlines, New Update

Published on November 28, 2025

Air travel across Japan has just hit a snag. Major disruptions struck three crucial airports, causing widespread headaches for travelers. Specifically, the travel hubs serving Tokyo, Sapporo and Fukuoka experienced significant operational setbacks. Consequently, 27 flights were cancelled outright and an overwhelming 426 flights faced delays. The sheer scale of these numbers points to a considerable strain on the aviation system. Notably, Air Do and a few other carriers accounted for nearly all the reported cancellations and lengthy delays. Therefore, this situation demands a closer look. This report breaks down exactly where and how this travel disruption has impacted domestic service across Japan.

Major Airports Affected

The reporting period indicates that the largest air travel hub in Japan bore the heaviest operational burden in terms of volume. Haneda Airport, the primary gateway to Tokyo, was subject to widespread disruption, with 14 total cancellations being logged. More significantly, a staggering 263 flight delays were registered at the Tokyo facility.

Further north, New Chitose Airport, the principal air access point for the region encompassing Sapporo, experienced its own set of significant challenges. At this location, a total of 12 cancellations were recorded. The number of delays at New Chitose was also substantial, reaching 52.

In the south of Japan, Fukuoka Airport, serving the major city of Fukuoka, reported a lower number of cancellations but a very high volume of delays. Only 1 flight was recorded as cancelled; however, 111 flight delays were registered at Fukuoka. This indicates that while outright flight grounding was avoided, passengers faced lengthy waiting times and schedule changes.

Impacted Airlines

Air Do was the most significantly impacted carrier, or the primary source of disruption, being involved in cancellations at two separate hubs. At Haneda Airport, Air Do was responsible for 12 cancellations and 16 delays. At New Chitose, the carrier was solely responsible for all 12 cancellations reported at the Sapporo gateway, alongside 9 delays. Cumulatively, Air Do accounted for 24 of the total 27 cancellations reported in the region.

Delta Air Lines was also affected at the Tokyo hub, with 1 cancellation and 3 delays being attributed to its operations at Haneda Airport.

ANA Wings was the carrier responsible for the single cancellation and 14 delays reported at Fukuoka Airport. These figures demonstrate that the disruption was not limited to one market segment but involved both domestic and international operators.

Beyond these specific figures, delays were being experienced by several other Airlines, like All Nippon, Japan Airlines, Skymark and more.

Probable Impact on Local Tourism

The substantial and simultaneous nature of these flight disruptions across Tokyo, Sapporo and Fukuoka might have an immediate, adverse effect on local tourism. The combined total of 27 cancellations means a significant number of travelers were prevented from reaching their destinations, resulting in direct revenue loss for hotels, ground transport operators and local attractions in Japan.

The overwhelming volume of 426 delays introduces a cascading problem. Delayed arrivals lead to missed scheduled activities, late hotel check-ins and the necessity for immediate rebooking of local services, all of which diminish the overall traveler experience. For a city like Sapporo, which relies heavily on consistent air access for its visitor economy, particularly for seasonal tourism, any extended period of disruption linked to a major operator like Air Do could disproportionately affect smaller businesses. Furthermore, the perception of inconsistent travel reliability to key destinations in Japan could prompt future travellers to reconsider their itineraries, presenting a long-term challenge to the growth of local tourism in both the metropolitan areas of Tokyo and Fukuoka and the regional market of Sapporo.

What Affected Passengers Can Do Now

Passengers whose journeys have been impacted by these operational setbacks are advised to take immediate action to mitigate the consequences.

Firstly, travelers should be proactively informed. The latest flight status must be confirmed directly through the respective airline’s official channels, such as their website or mobile application, rather than relying solely on general airport display boards.

Secondly, communication with the airline is critical. Passengers on affected Air Do, Delta Air Lines or ANA Wings flights should promptly contact the carrier’s customer service desk. Rebooking options must be inquired about, including the possibility of being rerouted on the next available flight or an alternative travel date. In cases of cancellation, passengers are typically entitled to a refund if an alternative flight is not desired.

Thirdly, all reasonable expenses incurred due to the disruption must be documented. Where a delay extends overnight, passengers may be entitled to assistance, such as meal vouchers or overnight accommodation, as per the operating airline’s conditions of carriage. Receipts for any expenses, such as food or necessary temporary lodging, should be retained for potential reimbursement claims from the airline or through personal travel insurance policies. Navigating the operational difficulties in Japan requires an informed and proactive approach from all affected travelers.

-The information provided is sourced from FlightAware.