United Airlines is expanding its Japan network with two new international routes, including the first-ever nonstop flights between the continental United States and Sapporo, as demand for travel to Japan continues to surge.
The airline announced it will launch new winter seasonal service from San Francisco to Sapporo alongside a new year-round route connecting Chicago O’Hare with Tokyo-Narita.
The expansion strengthens United’s position as the largest U.S. carrier serving Japan and comes as airlines continue increasing capacity across Asia-Pacific markets.
United Launches First Nonstop Flights From Continental U.S. To Sapporo
Beginning December 11, United will operate three weekly winter flights between San Francisco International Airport and Sapporo’s New Chitose Airport.
The route will become the first nonstop air service linking Sapporo directly with the continental United States.
Sapporo, located on Japan’s northern island of Hokkaido, has become increasingly popular with international travelers thanks to its winter sports industry, powder snow resorts and culinary tourism.
The city is also internationally known for attractions including the Sapporo Snow Festival, seafood markets and regional dishes such as Sapporo ramen.
United said the flights are expected to operate using Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft and will connect passengers from nearly 80 U.S. cities through its San Francisco hub.
Chicago To Tokyo-Narita Flights Begin In October
United will also launch daily nonstop flights between Chicago O’Hare and Tokyo-Narita starting October 24.
The airline said it will become the only U.S. carrier operating nonstop service between Chicago and Tokyo-Narita, complementing its existing Chicago to Tokyo-Haneda route.
The new route is expected to operate year-round using Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft.
United executives said the Narita service is designed to improve onward connectivity across Asia through both United and its Japanese partner airline ANA.
New Routes Expand Asia-Pacific Connections
Passengers travelling through Tokyo-Narita will gain access to connections across 21 destinations in Asia-Pacific, including Cebu, Guam, Palau, Saipan, Kaohsiung and Ulaanbaatar.
Additional onward connections through ANA will include cities such as Jakarta and Kuala Lumpur.
“Whether customers are dreaming of skiing in Sapporo, planning a business trip to Tokyo with some exploration added in, or an even bigger adventure across Asia, United gives travelers more ways to get there than any U.S. airline,” said Patrick Quayle, Senior Vice President of Network Planning and Global Alliances at United Airlines.
United Strengthens Position As Leading U.S. Airline To Japan
United said it carried more than 1.8 million passengers between the United States and Japan during 2025, exceeding the combined total of all other U.S. carriers operating in the market.
During the upcoming winter season, the airline plans to operate up to 13 daily flights between the continental United States and four Japanese airports, including Tokyo-Narita, Tokyo-Haneda, Osaka and Sapporo.
With the new routes, United will serve five airports across four Japanese cities from its mainland U.S. hubs and Guam network.
The airline currently operates flights to 33 destinations across the Pacific region, making Asia one of its most strategically important international markets.
