United Airlines Introduces Historic Nonstop Flights from the U.S. to Sapporo and Becomes Sole U.S. Carrier Offering Direct Service Between Chicago and Tokyo-Narita

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United Airlines has revealed plans to extend its operations to Japan, introducing new routes to Sapporo and Tokyo-Narita this upcoming winter season. The carrier will offer the first-ever nonstop flights from the U.S. mainland to Sapporo, Japan, and will be the sole American airline providing direct service between Chicago and Tokyo-Narita*. As the top airline connecting the U.S. and Japan, these new additions will provide passengers throughout North America with more options to discover Japan and seamlessly connect to destinations across Asia.

“Whether customers are dreaming of skiing in Sapporo, planning a business trip to Tokyo with some exploration added in, or an even bigger adventure across Asia, United gives travelers more ways to get there than any U.S. airline,” said Patrick Quayle, Senior Vice President of Network Planning and Global Alliances, United Airlines. “Our new nonstop service from San Francisco to Sapporo makes it easier to vacation in one of Japan’s most unique destinations, while our new Chicago to Tokyo-Narita service gives business and leisure travelers a premium onboard experience and the flexibility to continue their journey across Asia on United to exciting destinations like Cebu, Palau and Ulaanbaatar, or onward on our joint venture partner ANA to cities like Jakarta and Kuala Lumpur.”

United Airlines remains the top carrier between the U.S. mainland and Japan, with over 1.8 million passengers flown in 2025, surpassing all other U.S. airlines combined. This winter, United is set to operate up to 13 daily flights from the continental U.S. to four major airports in Japan, including Sapporo (CTS), Tokyo-Narita (NRT), Tokyo-Haneda (HND), and Osaka (KIX).

San Francisco to Sapporo, Japan

United will introduce new seasonal service between San Francisco (SFO) and Sapporo (CTS), starting December 11. This marks the first-ever nonstop flights from the U.S. to Sapporo. Known for its world-class skiing with pristine powder, vibrant culinary offerings like Sapporo ramen and Hokkaido seafood, and the renowned Sapporo Snow Festival, the city offers travelers a unique winter experience. The new flights will operate three times a week on a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, connecting passengers from nearly 80 U.S. cities to this exciting destination via San Francisco.

Chicago to Tokyo-Narita

On October 24, United will begin daily year-round service between Chicago O’Hare and Tokyo-Narita. This will make United the only U.S. airline operating direct flights between Chicago and Tokyo-Narita, solidifying its role as the exclusive carrier linking Chicago with the Pacific. The new service complements the airline’s existing flights to Tokyo-Haneda, offering more flexibility for travelers. The Tokyo-Narita route will also provide convenient one-stop connections to 21 destinations across Asia-Pacific, including cities like Cebu, Guam, Kaohsiung, and Ulaanbaatar, through United and its Joint Venture partner ANA. The Chicago-Narita flights will be operated by a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner.

United Airlines will expand its network in Japan with the introduction of new routes, connecting the U.S. mainland and Guam to five key airports across the country. These include Sapporo (CTS), Tokyo-Narita (NRT), Tokyo-Haneda (HND), Osaka (KIX), and Nagoya (NGO). This expansion strengthens United’s presence in the Japanese market, offering more options for travelers heading to one of Asia’s most dynamic regions.

The airline’s increased service to Japan solidifies its status as the leader among U.S. carriers in terms of flights to the country. By connecting passengers to five major airports across Japan, United enhances the accessibility of both well-known and emerging destinations within the country. This network growth not only serves leisure travelers but also provides business travelers with greater flexibility.

United’s dedication to Japan goes beyond just offering more flights; the airline is also expanding its reach to 33 destinations across the Pacific. This allows passengers to seamlessly connect to various cities across Asia, giving them easy access to a wide range of international markets. These connections, particularly through United’s hubs in San Francisco and Chicago, bolster the airline’s role as a crucial player in transpacific travel.

With these strategic route expansions, United continues to demonstrate its commitment to providing comprehensive flight options between the U.S. and Japan, maintaining its leadership in transpacific aviation. The airline’s efforts ensure that both business and leisure travelers can easily access some of the most sought-after destinations in Japan.