JAL, ANA face slow recovery due to strict border restrictions

Japanese major carriers failed to turn to operating profit in April-June quarter

JAL's international passenger volume for the April-June period increased by 4.9 times and ANA's increased by 5.2 -- but compared to the pre-pandemic level, that was still a 70% decrease for JAL and a 74% decrease for ANA. (Photo by Mizuho Miyazaki)

SHOICHIRO TAGUCHI, Nikkei staff writer

August 1, 2022 19:57 JST

TOKYO -- The recovery for Japan Airlines (JAL) and All Nippon Airways (ANA) remains slow as the country's strict border restrictions keep demand for international flights far below the pre-pandemic level while other global airlines are starting to see noticeable improvements in earnings.

JAL posted a loss of 27.5 billion yen ($208 million) in EBIT (earnings before interest and tax) for the April-June period on Monday, while ANA announced an operating loss of 1.3 billion yen for the same period.