Asia's budget airlines rush to open routes beyond Tokyo and Osaka

Thai carrier NokScoot latest to meet greater demand for more Japan destinations

20180822 Nok Scoot MAIN

NokScoot Deputy CEO Giam Ming Toh, second from right, announces the opening of a new route from Kansai International Airport to Bangkok on Aug. 22 in Tokyo. (Photo by Ken Kobayashi)

ERI SUGIURA, Nikkei staff writer

TOKYO -- Asia's discount airlines are expanding their service to Japan as the number of overseas tourists in the country rises sharply. Medium-haul flights from elsewhere in Asia are reaching beyond big cities such as Tokyo and Osaka to regional airports as the tourism boom spreads in Japan.

Competition with Japanese discount and full-service carriers is intensifying as airlines look to gain market share through better connections.

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