What’s On The Horizon For: Hokkaido Airports

Hokkaido Airports highlighted recent route launches and outlined its strategic goals for expanded air connectivity across Asia during Routes Asia 2025.

Formed in August 2019, Hokkaido Airports operates seven airports in Japan’s northernmost prefecture: New Chitose, Wakkanai, Kushiro, Hakodate, Asahikawa, Obihiro and Memanbetsu. The airport operator recently welcomed new airline partners including Aero K Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Vietjet Air, Beijing Capital Airlines, Hainan Airlines and Cebu Pacific Air.

New Chitose Airport (CTS), Japan’s fifth-largest airport, handled 23 million passengers in 2024 in partnership with more than 40 airlines. During the year, international traffic saw strong recovery, with nearly 4 million international passengers.

Kenjiro Karahashi, managing director for aviation business development at Hokkaido Airports, told Routes that travelers from Korea, China, Taiwan and Hong Kong accounted for 85% of international arrivals.

Enhanced air connectivity is playing a key role in CTS’s recent performance, with Aero K Airlines launching a Cheongju, South Korea, route in November 2024 and Fuji Dream Airlines expanding domestic service to Niigata and Fukuoka in March 2025.

A new seasonal route between Sydney and CTS will begin in December, served three times per week by Qantas. The service aims to tap into Australia’s ski tourism market and marks Qantas’ return to Hokkaido after a five-year hiatus. It will also be the carrier’s fourth route into Japan.

With a focus on restoring previously served routes and growing long-haul connectivity to better manage seasonal fluctuations in demand, Hokkaido Airports exhibited Routes Asia in Perth, Australia.

Speaking to a range of airlines during the event, Karahashi said: “I think they are recognizing the Japanese market returning for outbound travel so they are excited to return more than ever, which is why we are here.”

To enhance awareness of the growing tourism destination and engage with potential airline partners, Hokkaido Airports utilizes its Routes 360 profile.