United Airlines Unveils Groundbreaking New Nonstop Flights to Sapporo and Exclusive Year-Round Chicago to Tokyo-Narita Routes Opening Unmatched Travel Adventures Across Japan and the Asia-Pacific

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United Airlines is redefining travel to Japan with its latest expansion, introducing nonstop flights to Sapporo and an exclusive year-round connection between Chicago and Tokyo-Narita, giving travelers unprecedented access to the country’s rich culture, winter sports, and culinary experiences. These new routes are designed to unlock seamless travel across Japan and the Asia-Pacific, connecting passengers from nearly 80 U.S. cities to iconic destinations while offering one-stop access to 21 additional cities across the region. By combining state-of-the-art Dreamliner aircraft, extensive U.S. hub connectivity, and strategic partnerships, United is creating unmatched opportunities for adventure, business, and cultural exploration for travelers seeking both convenience and discovery.

United Airlines Expands Japan Routes with New Nonstop Flights to Sapporo and Tokyo-Narita

United Airlines is set to broaden its network in Japan this winter, introducing new nonstop flights to Sapporo and Tokyo-Narita. This expansion marks a significant milestone for U.S.-Japan air travel, as United becomes the first airline from the continental U.S. to offer nonstop service to Sapporo and the only U.S. carrier to connect Chicago to Tokyo-Narita nonstop. These developments strengthen United’s role as the leading carrier between the U.S. and Japan, providing travelers across North America enhanced opportunities to explore Japan and connect to the wider Asia-Pacific region.

In 2025, United transported over 1.8 million passengers between the U.S. and Japan, surpassing the combined traffic of all other U.S. carriers. This winter, the airline will operate up to 13 daily flights from the continental U.S. to four major Japanese airports:

• Sapporo (CTS)
• Tokyo-Narita (NRT)
• Tokyo-Haneda (HND)
• Osaka (KIX)

This expansion underscores United’s commitment to providing unmatched connectivity to Japan from multiple U.S. hubs.

San Francisco to Sapporo: A First for the Continental U.S.

Beginning December 11, United will launch three times weekly winter seasonal service between San Francisco (SFO) and Sapporo (CTS). These flights will be the first nonstop connection from the continental U.S. to Sapporo, offering travelers a direct gateway to Japan’s northern island of Hokkaido.

Sapporo, a city renowned for its winter sports and culinary scene, provides travelers with unique experiences, including:

• World-class skiing with fresh powder in nearby resorts
• Iconic Sapporo ramen and a variety of Hokkaido seafood delicacies
• The annual Sapporo Snow Festival, transforming the city into a spectacular winter wonderland

Flights on this route are expected to operate on Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, connecting travelers from nearly 80 U.S. cities to Sapporo via United’s San Francisco hub. This network allows seamless access for American travelers looking to explore a lesser-known but culturally rich Japanese destination.

Chicago to Tokyo-Narita: Exclusive Nonstop Service

United will also launch daily year-round service between Chicago O’Hare (ORD) and Tokyo-Narita (NRT) starting October 24. United will be the only U.S. airline offering nonstop flights on this route, complementing its existing Chicago–Tokyo-Haneda service and expanding options for travelers between the U.S. and Japan.

The new Tokyo-Narita route unlocks easy connections for travelers to 21 destinations across the Asia-Pacific region, including:

• Cebu, Philippines
• Guam
• Kaohsiung, Taiwan
• Palau
• Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands
• Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

These flights will operate on Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners, ensuring a comfortable and modern travel experience while reinforcing United’s transpacific leadership.

Comprehensive Japan Connectivity

With the addition of Sapporo and Tokyo-Narita routes, United will serve five airports in four Japanese cities from its U.S. hubs and Guam:

• Sapporo (CTS)
• Tokyo-Narita (NRT)
• Tokyo-Haneda (HND)
• Osaka (KIX)
• Nagoya (NGO)

This network allows United to provide the most flights to Japan of any U.S. carrier, connecting travelers not only to major Japanese cities but also to 33 destinations across the Pacific. The airline’s robust schedule ensures that travelers from North America can access both popular tourist hubs and off-the-beaten-path destinations in Japan.

Enhancing North American Access to Japan

These new services highlight United’s commitment to expanding transpacific connectivity. Travelers from across North America now have:

• Direct access to Sapporo’s winter experiences
• Multiple options to reach Tokyo’s international hubs
• Seamless connections to Asia-Pacific destinations through United and joint venture partner ANA

United’s strategic expansion not only strengthens its dominance in U.S.-Japan air travel but also opens opportunities for business and leisure travelers to explore new regions and cultures across Asia.

United Airlines is launching nonstop flights to Sapporo and an exclusive Chicago–Tokyo-Narita route, opening new gateways for unmatched travel adventures across Japan and the Asia-Pacific. These routes connect travelers from dozens of U.S. cities to iconic destinations with seamless access and modern Dreamliner comfort.

As the airline continues to invest in its Japan network, these routes are expected to increase passenger convenience while promoting tourism and trade between the U.S. and Japan. United’s modern Dreamliner fleet, combined with its extensive hub network, ensures travelers enjoy comfort, reliability, and efficiency on every flight.

By launching these new routes, United Airlines reaffirms its position as the leading U.S. gateway to Japan, offering travelers the widest selection of flights, destinations, and connections across the Pacific. Whether visiting for business, leisure, or cultural exploration, United now provides more ways than ever to experience Japan and beyond.