New direct flights connect Hokkaido to San Francisco and Vancouver

New direct flights from New Chitose Airport to North America will launch in December, connecting Hokkaido to San Francisco and Vancouver. United Airlines and Air Canada will operate these routes three times weekly until late March. This marks the first regular direct flights to North America from the airport, which primarily serves Asian destinations. The new routes are driven by increasing popularity of Hokkaido's ski resorts among North American travelers. Efforts are needed to ensure their long-term success by promoting Hokkaido's broader attractions beyond skiing and encouraging local resident use.