Travel Disruption Hits Japan as Japan Airlines, ANA, and United Airlines Cancel 40 Flights, Affecting Routes to Tokyo, Fukuoka, Sendai, and More – New Update You Need to Know

Published on December 12, 2025

Japan’s air travel system has recently been struck by a series of flight cancellations, impacting several major airports and causing widespread travel disruptions. From Sendai Airport in the north to Fukuoka in the south, travelers have been left facing unexpected delays and cancellations, significantly affecting both domestic and international travel plans. In total, numerous flights have been cancelled across multiple airports, including Sendai, Fukuoka, Narita, and others. These disruptions have left many passengers with limited options for rescheduling their travel.

Key Cancellations Overview

Affected Airports and Routes

Several airports across Japan have been deeply affected by cancellations, with Sendai, Fukuoka, and Narita experiencing the most disruptions. Passengers planning to travel on certain routes have faced delays or complete cancellations of their flights. Here are some of the key airports and the flights affected by these disruptions.

Sendai Airport Cancellations

Sendai Airport, located in Miyagi Prefecture, has experienced a significant number of flight cancellations in Japan. Several flights bound for New Chitose, a major destination in Hokkaido, were cancelled, with both Japan Airlines (JAL) and other carriers suspending their services. On Thursday and Friday, passengers were affected by multiple cancellations on flights such as JAL2909 and ADO4807. These flights, which were scheduled to depart for New Chitose, had to be rescheduled or completely cancelled due to operational issues. Additionally, flights like AKX1229 and ADO107 also faced cancellations, leaving many passengers stranded or forced to make alternate arrangements.

• Key Cancellations at Sendai:
  • JAL2909 (New Chitose) – Thursday and Friday
  • ADO4807 (New Chitose) – Thursday and Friday
  • AKX1229 (New Chitose) – Thursday

Fukuoka Airport Delays

Fukuoka Airport, located in the southern part of Japan, also saw significant flight cancellations in Japan, affecting both domestic and international flights. Flights between Fukuoka and major cities such as Tokyo and Shanghai were cancelled, causing widespread inconvenience. For instance, JAL300, scheduled to depart for Tokyo Haneda, was among the affected flights. Additionally, flights like JJP983 and SKY12, headed to New Chitose and Tokyo Haneda, respectively, were also cancelled. These delays and cancellations disrupted travel for both local passengers and international travelers.

• Key Cancellations at Fukuoka:
  • JAL300 (Tokyo Haneda) – Friday
  • JJP983 (New Chitose) – Thursday
  • SKY12 (Tokyo Haneda) – Thursday

Tokyo Narita Flight Cancellations

Tokyo Narita, one of the busiest airports in Japan, also witnessed a significant number of cancellations. Several flights, including departures to New Chitose and other domestic destinations, were affected by operational issues. Some notable cancellations included ADO31, SKY717, and ADO4725, all scheduled to depart for New Chitose. These cancellations created a ripple effect, impacting connecting flights and leaving travelers with fewer options. Moreover, flights to international destinations such as Toronto and Brisbane also faced disruptions, with UAL804, scheduled to fly to Washington Dulles, being cancelled. Passengers at Narita were left scrambling to find alternative flights to their destinations.

• Key Cancellations at Narita:
  • ADO31 (New Chitose) – Friday
  • SKY717 (New Chitose) – Friday
  • UAL804 (Washington Dulles) – Thursday

Causes of Disruptions

While the exact reasons for the disruptions are still being investigated, operational issues and weather conditions are believed to have played a significant role in the large number of cancellations. Japan Airlines Cancellations and delays have also been linked to staff shortages, aircraft maintenance, and other logistical challenges, all of which have compounded the situation.

The impact of Japan Air Traffic control delays has also been felt at major airports across the country, further exacerbating the problems for travelers. The backlogs in air traffic control have made it difficult for airlines to maintain a consistent flight schedule, leading to delays and cancellations.

Impact on Passengers

The impact of these flight cancellations in Japan has been widespread, leaving many passengers stranded at airports. For those traveling domestically, the disruptions have resulted in missed connections and changes to their travel plans. International travelers have also been affected, with flights to and from destinations like New Chitose, Tokyo Haneda, and Shanghai Pudong being cancelled.

For passengers affected by the cancellations, airlines have been offering rebooking options, but given the high volume of disruptions, finding alternative flights has been difficult. Many travelers have also reported difficulties in obtaining compensation or timely updates on their flight statuses.

• Challenges faced by passengers:
  • Missed connections
  • Rebooking difficulties
  • Lack of compensation or timely updates

Airlines’ Response

Airlines are working hard to address the challenges posed by these flight cancellations in Japan. Japan Airlines has made efforts to rebook affected passengers on alternative flights, though the sheer number of cancellations has made this process slow and difficult. Other carriers, including those flying from airports like Sendai, Fukuoka, and Narita, are also working to find solutions for stranded passengers. However, the ongoing operational issues suggest that the situation could persist for several days.

• Airline actions:
  • Rebooking passengers on alternative flights
  • Offering compensation where applicable
  • Providing updates through customer service channels

Moving Forward

As Japan’s aviation system works to recover from these widespread disruptions, passengers are advised to stay in contact with their airlines for the latest updates. It is crucial for travelers to check their flight statuses regularly and be prepared for further delays or cancellations. Additionally, travelers are encouraged to explore travel insurance options to protect themselves from the financial impact of such disruptions.

Conclusion

The recent flight cancellations in Japan have caused significant disruption to both domestic and international travel. Major airports like Sendai, Fukuoka, and Narita have been at the center of these cancellations, leaving travelers scrambling for alternatives. Although airlines are working to resolve the situation, the ongoing disruptions highlight the challenges faced by Japan’s aviation system. Passengers are urged to stay informed and remain flexible with their travel plans as they navigate these unforeseen delays and cancellations.