From The Floor: Hokkaido Airports Eyes Southeast Asia Growth, Long-Haul Markets

Japan’s Hokkaido Airports has secured several new international routes and is setting its sights on further expansion in Southeast Asia and long-haul markets, aiming to balance seasonal demand and boost year-round tourism.

The airport operator, which counts New Chitose Airport (CTS) among its portfolio, recently welcomed Aero K Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Vietjet Air, Beijing Capital Airlines, Hainan Airlines and Cebu Pacific Air to its growing network. Additionally, Qantas will resume flights from Sydney to CTS in winter 2025-26, marking the return of the long-haul route after a five-year absence.

“The Qantas launch is expected to capture the strong winter ski season demand, which has been growing in recent years,” Kenjiro Karahashi, managing director for Aviation Business Development at Hokkaido Airports, told Routes. “This route holds great significance, not only for tourism but also for cultural exchange and economic growth between Japan and Australia.”

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As part of its route development strategy, Hokkaido Airports is targeting the Southeast Asia market, where charter flights have performed well but scheduled services remain limited. The airport operator is using data-driven forecasting to analyze visitor trends and industry insights while collaborating with tourism boards, local governments and businesses to enhance transportation and accommodation infrastructure.

Beyond increasing air service, the airport group is focused on spreading demand more evenly across Hokkaido’s network of airports. While CTS remains the primary gateway, there is a concerted push to develop secondary airports like Hakodate, Asahikawa and Kushiro.

“It is important for us that, rather than simply increasing the number of routes or destinations, we focus on finding the most beneficial solutions for airlines, passengers and our airports, fostering a collaborative and sustainable approach,” Karahashi added.

With Hokkaido’s strong appeal as a winter sports destination, the airport group also aims to attract more long-haul services beyond Asia.