Japan Airlines has announced they will resume nonstop flights between Tokyo, Japan via Narita International Airport (NRT) and San Diego International Airport (SAN). The service will operate three times a week with the first arrival into San Diego on March 2 and the first departure from San Diego on March 3. The resumption comes after Japan Airlines suspended service in April 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Japan Airlines provides the greater San Diego area with an important nonstop link to Asia,” said Kimberly Becker, San Diego County Regional Airport Authority President and CEO. “By providing Japan with direct access to our region, San Diego is more competitive and attractive to those individuals looking to vacation or conduct business in Southern California which is critical to rebuilding our economy post-COVID-19. We look forward to welcoming travelers from Asia once again and thank Japan Airlines for resuming this important service.”
The airlines became the first airline to launch nonstop flights between Asia and San Diego when they inaugurated service to Tokyo in December 2012. Pre-COVID-19, the airline offered daily nonstop flights which were immensely popular.
“The San Diego Tourism Authority is thrilled to have Japan Airlines resume its service between Tokyo and San Diego,” said Julie Coker, President and CEO of the San Diego Tourism Authority. “Japan is the fifth-largest overseas market for visitors to San Diego, and many San Diego-based companies have strong business ties to Japan. We are excited for the opportunity to welcome visitors back in 2021.”
San Diego International Airport (SAN) is the busiest single-runway commercial service airport in the U.S. and third busiest airport in California. In 2019, SAN welcomed 25 million passengers and offered nonstop flights to destinations worldwide. The airport is an economic driver for the region, contributing nearly $12 billion in economic activity in 2019 and supports nearly 116,600 jobs.