United Airlines Expands Service to Japan with Nonstop Flights to Sapporo and Tokyo-Narita
1. New Routes Set to Enhance Connectivity for Travelers
On May 14, 2026, United Airlines Holdings Inc. announced an exciting expansion of its service to Japan, introducing two new nonstop flight routes. This winter, United will become the first airline to offer direct service from the continental U.S. to Sapporo, and it will also launch a new daily nonstop service between Chicago O'Hare and Tokyo-Narita. This move solidifies United's position as the leading U.S. carrier for flights between North America and Japan, offering travelers more opportunities to explore the Land of the Rising Sun.
2. A First for Sapporo: Nonstop Service from San Francisco
Beginning December 11, 2026, United will initiate a three-times-weekly seasonal service from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to New Chitose Airport in Sapporo (CTS). This historic route marks the first nonstop flights from the continental U.S. to Sapporo, a city renowned for its winter sports, vibrant culinary scene, and cultural festivals, notably the Sapporo Snow Festival, which transforms the city into a picturesque winter wonderland.
Travelers can look forward to flying aboard United's Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, which will connect guests from nearly 80 U.S. cities to Sapporo through the airline's premier Pacific gateway in San Francisco. Patrick Quayle, Senior Vice President of Network Planning and Global Alliances at United, expressed enthusiasm for the new route, stating, “Whether customers are dreaming of skiing in Sapporo or planning a business trip to Tokyo with some exploration added in, United gives travelers more ways to get there than any U.S. airline.”
3. Daily Year-Round Service to Tokyo-Narita
In addition to the Sapporo route, United will also launch a new daily year-round service between Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and Tokyo-Narita International Airport (NRT) starting October 24, 2026. This service positions United as the sole U.S. airline providing nonstop flights between these critical hubs, further enhancing the airline's connectivity to the Pacific region.
The new Tokyo-Narita flights will operate on the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner and will complement United's existing service to Tokyo-Haneda. This expansion allows travelers to easily connect to 21 destinations across the Asia-Pacific region, either on United or through its joint venture partner All Nippon Airways (ANA). Destinations include popular cities such as Cebu, Palau, and Ulaanbaatar, providing both business and leisure travelers with greater flexibility and options for their journeys.
4. United: The Leading Carrier to Japan
With the introduction of these two new routes, United will serve five airports in four Japanese cities: Sapporo (CTS), Tokyo-Narita (NRT), Tokyo-Haneda (HND), Osaka (KIX), and Nagoya (NGO). The airline currently offers the most flights to Japan of any U.S. carrier, having transported over 1.8 million passengers between the U.S. and Japan in 2025—more than all other U.S. airlines combined. This winter, United plans to operate up to 13 flights daily from the continental U.S. to its Japan destinations.
5. Booking and Future Prospects
Flights for these new routes will be available for booking starting today through United's website and mobile app. The airline's aggressive expansion strategy highlights its commitment to enhancing travel options for customers and further solidifying its market leadership in trans-Pacific air travel.
As United Airlines continues to grow its network, it remains focused on providing premium experiences for travelers, ensuring that they have access to the best destinations across Asia and beyond.
With these strategic additions, United Airlines is poised to not only meet the rising demand for travel to Japan but to lead the industry in connecting the United States with one of its most culturally rich and vibrant destinations.
