Air Canada and United Airlines launch direct flights to New Chitose for Niseko winter season
For the first time, travelers from mainland North America will be able to fly nonstop to Hokkaido this winter, bypassing the domestic connection through Tokyo that has long been part of the journey to Niseko.
Photo of Air Canada (by Steve Knight via Wikipedia) & United Airlines planes (by N509FZ via Wikipedia); edited by Patience Realty
United Airlines and Air Canada are introducing seasonal flights from San Francisco and Vancouver to New Chitose Airport in December 2026, creating six weekly nonstop flights from mainland North America during their overlapping winter operating periods.
Two new routes connecting Hokkaido and North America
Air Canada announced its Vancouver-New Chitose service on January 21, followed by United Airlines' San Francisco-New Chitose announcement on May 14.
Both airlines will operate three round trips weekly using Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft, with seasonal services running through March 2027.
The scheduled services are as follows:
Airline | Route | Start Date |
Air Canada (3 weekly) | Vancouver - New Chitose | Dec. 11, 2026 |
United Airlines (3 weekly) | San Francisco - New Chitose | Dec. 17, 2026 |
Start dates refer to departures from North America. Flights arrive in Hokkaido the following day.
United's aircraft will accommodate 257 passengers, including 48 Polaris business-class seats. Air Canada has also updated its aircraft plans, scheduling the Boeing 787-9 throughout its inaugural winter season.
The significance of the new routes extends beyond San Francisco and Vancouver. United's San Francisco hub connects passengers from nearly 80 US cities, while Vancouver serves as a major gateway for Air Canada's domestic and international network.
Together, the two services will provide travelers from a wider range of North American cities with one-stop access to Hokkaido, without requiring an additional domestic flight within Japan.
What the new connections mean for Niseko access
According to Niseko United, removing the Tokyo transfer could reduce total travel times by approximately three to six hours, depending on the departure city and itinerary.
The change is particularly relevant for winter sports travellers carrying skis, snowboards and other equipment. Fewer airport transfers can simplify luggage handling and reduce the complications associated with connecting between international and domestic flights.
New Chitose Airport remains the principal aviation gateway to Niseko, with onward travel typically taking approximately two to three hours by road, depending on transportation arrangements and winter conditions.
Both airlines have scheduled their services around Hokkaido's winter tourism season, when Niseko's ski resorts attract international visitors seeking the region's powder snow.
The flights are seasonal rather than year-round, but they establish a direct aviation connection between Hokkaido and two major North American hubs during one of the region's busiest tourism periods.
For Hokkaido, the more significant development is not simply the removal of a domestic transfer. It is the establishment of scheduled nonstop links with mainland North America, making the island more accessible to travellers across the United States and Canada.
Further Reading:
Air Canada - Air Canada Unveils its First-Ever Winter Seasonal Service to SapporoNiseko United - North America To Niseko Gets Easier This Winter
