Qantas to restart Hokkaido flights as staff concerns ease

New Chitose Airport eyes increased service beyond Asia

20250305N Qantas

Qantas Airways last operated direct flights to and from New Chitose Airport during the 2019-2020 ski season. (Qantas Airways)

HAJIME TSUKADA

SAPPORO, Japan -- Qantas Airways will bring back direct flights from Australia to Hokkaido's New Chitose Airport for the first time in six years in December, as efforts to address a labor shortage at Japanese airports move forward.

The Australian airline will operate three round-trip flights a week from Sydney to New Chitose Airport until the end of March 2026 with an eye on skiers headed to Niseko and other Hokkaido destinations.

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