Strong winds and heavy snowfall forced the cancellation of dozens of airline flights headed to and from Japan’s northwestern coast, including popular skiing regions such as Hokkaido on January 20, 2026.
Flight cancellations disrupt travel to northern Japan
All Nippon Airways Holdings airlines such as ANA Airways, ANA Wings, Peach Aviation and Air Japan had cancelled 56 flights until 1 PM Japan local time which affected around 3,900 passengers whereas as of 11 am Japan time, only Japan Airlines had cancelled 37 flights which affected 2,213 passengers.
There were no planned cancellations of any flights by ANA Airways for Wednesday, Jan. 21, but the airline warned there would be delays at some airports due to continued adverse weather conditions.
49 of ANA’s cancelled flights were at New Chitose Airport near Sapporo in Japan’s northernmost prefecture of Hokkaido which is one of the worst hit airports in Japan.
New Chitose Airport is a gateway to ski resorts like Niseko, which has rose in popularity thanks to international tourists looking to take advantage of some of the best powder skiing conditions in the world and capitalising on the weak yen.
Weather warnings issued as snowfall intensifies
It was announced by the Japan Meteorological Agency on Monday, Jan. 19, that between Jan. 21 and 25 heavy snow would hit the north and west of the country along the Sea of Japan and advised against non-essential travel,.
On Tuesday, Jan. 20, the Japan Meteorological Agency also said that snow and winds are likely to intensify, mainly in Hokkaido and Tohoku, due to the effects of an approaching low pressure system.
The expected snowfall in the 24 hours until Thursday morning is 100 centimetre’s for Niigata Prefecture, 70 centimetre’s in Tohoku and Hokuriku, 40 centimetre’s in Kinki, 40 centimetre’s in Hokkaido, northern Kanto and Nagano Prefecture. The precipitation may increase afterwards.
The airlines have urged people to check the latest information on their websites, as additional cancellations and delays are possible if weather conditions worsen.
Are you travelling to or from Northwestern coast of Japan today through air? What has been your experience? Let us know in the comments.
