CHICAGO- United Airlines (UA) announced major Japan expansion plans with new nonstop flights to Sapporo New Chitose Airport (CTS) and Tokyo Narita International Airport (NRT).
The airline will introduce new services from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) during the winter 2026 schedule.
United Airlines will begin seasonal San Francisco to Sapporo flights from December 11, 2026, while new daily year-round Chicago to Tokyo Narita service launches on October 24, 2026.
The expansion further strengthens United’s position as the largest US airline serving Japan and the Asia-Pacific region.
United Expands Japan Network With Two New Routes
United Airlines continues expanding its Asia operations with new routes focused on both leisure and business travel demand.
The airline already serves more destinations in Asia than any other US carrier and plans to operate up to 13 daily flights between the continental United States and Japan during winter 2026.
United will serve four airports in Japan this winter, including:
- Sapporo New Chitose Airport (CTS)
- Tokyo Narita International Airport (NRT)
- Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND)
- Osaka Kansai International Airport (KIX)
The airline will also continue serving Nagoya Chubu Centrair International Airport (NGO) through its broader network.
United stated that the expansion gives passengers additional one-stop access to destinations across Asia through Japan.
San Francisco To Sapporo Flights
United will launch 3 times weekly seasonal service between San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and Sapporo New Chitose Airport (CTS) from December 11, 2026, through March 26, 2027.
The route marks the first nonstop service between the continental United States and Sapporo.
The airline plans to operate the service using Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft configured with 257 seats, including:
- 48 business class seats
- 21 premium economy seats
- 188 economy seats
Flight Schedule
| Flight Number | Route | Departure Time | Arrival Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| UA234 | San Francisco (SFO) to Sapporo (CTS) | 10:30 AM | 2:15 PM (+1 day) |
| UA235 | Sapporo (CTS) to San Francisco (SFO) | 4:15 PM | 8:25 AM |
Westbound flights will operate on Sundays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Eastbound flights will operate on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.
The 4,796-mile route is scheduled at approximately 10 hours and 45 minutes westbound and 9 hours and 5 minutes eastbound.
The service will also become United’s shortest true transpacific route from the continental United States with regularly scheduled passenger operations.
Why United Chose Sapporo
Sapporo and the wider Hokkaido region continue attracting international winter tourism demand, particularly from ski travelers.
Destinations such as Niseko are increasingly popular among travelers from North America, Europe, Australia, and Asia.
United highlighted Sapporo’s winter tourism appeal, including skiing, Hokkaido seafood, Sapporo ramen, and the annual Sapporo Snow Festival.
San Francisco serves as one of United’s largest Pacific hubs, allowing passengers from nearly 80 US cities to connect to Sapporo through one stop.
The route also reflects a broader seasonal aircraft deployment strategy. US airlines typically prioritize Europe during summer, while winter schedules create opportunities for leisure-focused long-haul services.
Chicago To Tokyo-Narita Flights
United will also launch new daily year round service between Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) and Tokyo Narita International Airport (NRT) starting October 24, 2026.
The airline will become the only US carrier operating nonstop flights between Chicago and Tokyo-Narita.
United already operates flights between Chicago and Tokyo-Haneda, giving passengers additional flexibility between the United States and Japan. The new route will operate using Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft.
The Tokyo-Narita service significantly expands United’s Asia-Pacific connectivity through Japan. Passengers will gain one-stop access to 21 regional destinations through United and joint venture partner All Nippon Airways.
United-operated connections include:
- Cebu
- Guam
- Kaohsiung
- Palau
- Saipan
- Ulaanbaatar
ANA connections include destinations such as:
- Jakarta
- Kuala Lumpur
United Strengthens Its Asia-Pacific Leadership
United Airlines stated that it carried more than 1.8 million passengers between the United States and Japan during 2025, exceeding the combined total of all other US carriers.
The airline currently serves 33 destinations across the Pacific and continues focusing on long-haul international expansion through strategic hub operations.
The new Japan routes further reinforce United’s position as the leading US airline in the Asia-Pacific market while expanding premium leisure and business travel opportunities.
Competition In The Japan Market
Air Canada also announced new seasonal nonstop flights between Vancouver International Airport (YVR) and Sapporo (CTS). Both airlines will operate Boeing 787 aircraft on similar winter schedules.
United launches service slightly earlier, allowing the airline to claim the first nonstop route between continental North America and Sapporo.
Industry analysts will closely watch whether the growing Hokkaido tourism market can support multiple nonstop North American operators long term.
Bottom Line
United Airlines will introduce new Japan routes from San Francisco and Chicago during the winter 2026 schedule.
The airline will launch the first nonstop continental US flights to Sapporo alongside a new daily Chicago to Tokyo-Narita service.
The expansion strengthens United’s leadership in Japan and Asia-Pacific operations while improving connectivity for both leisure and business travelers.
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