United adds new routes to Japan from Chicago and San Francisco
United Airlines (NASDAQ: UAL) announced two new flight routes to Japan, expanding its service to the country with destinations in Sapporo and Tokyo-Narita.
The airline will launch daily year-round service between Chicago O'Hare and Tokyo-Narita beginning October 24. United will be the only U.S. airline offering service between Chicago and Tokyo-Narita, according to the company's press release statement.
Starting December 11, United will begin three times weekly winter seasonal service between San Francisco and Sapporo, marking what the company describes as the first nonstop flights between the continental U.S. and Sapporo. The seasonal service will operate from December through March.
The Chicago to Tokyo-Narita flights are expected to operate on a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft, while the San Francisco to Sapporo route will use a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner.
"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," said Patrick Quayle, Senior Vice President of Network Planning and Global Alliances at United Airlines.
United reported flying more than 1.8 million passengers between the U.S. and Japan in 2025. This winter, the airline will operate up to 13 flights daily from the continental U.S. to four Japanese airports: Sapporo, Tokyo-Narita, Tokyo-Haneda, and Osaka.
With these additions, United will serve five airports in four Japanese cities from its hubs in the continental U.S. and Guam. The new routes are subject to government approval.
