In response to rising demand for travel to Japan, Japan Airlines (JAL) is set to increase its presence in the U.S. market with new flights and expanded frequencies. Starting on May 31, JAL will resume its Tokyo Narita to Chicago O’Hare route, marking a return to a service that was last operated in March 2023. This move comes as Japan has become a hot tourist destination, with American travelers increasingly eager to experience the nation’s rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and vibrant cities.
The newly added Narita-O’Hare route will complement JAL’s existing daily service between Tokyo Haneda and Chicago O’Hare, making it easier for travelers to reach the Japanese capital from two of the major airports in the U.S. The addition of this route is significant for both JAL and the American tourism industry, as it reflects the airline’s commitment to meeting the growing demand for travel to Japan.
In this competitive market, JAL will face direct competition from All Nippon Airways (ANA), which operates its own Narita-O’Hare service. However, JAL has already been a strong player in the Chicago-Haneda route, where it competes with ANA and United Airlines, according to Cirium flight schedule data. The rivalry between these airlines is likely to benefit consumers, providing them with more options and competitive pricing for flights between Japan and the U.S.
To further cater to the increasing travel demand, JAL will also be expanding its flight frequencies from other major U.S. cities. Beginning this summer, the airline plans to increase service on its Narita-San Diego route, which will operate daily starting in April. In addition, JAL will ramp up its Osaka-Los Angeles and Osaka-Honolulu flights, with both routes moving to a daily schedule, offering greater flexibility for travelers heading to Japan from the West Coast.
This strategic expansion not only boosts JAL’s operations but also reflects a broader trend of growing international travel demand, particularly to Japan, as the country continues to recover from the impacts of the pandemic. The Japanese government has been actively promoting the country as a premier travel destination, and the rise in tourist numbers is evident in the increasing demand for flights.
JAL has also partnered with American Airlines on the Narita-O’Hare route through a codeshare agreement, which will offer passengers more choices and easier connections between the two airlines’ networks. With this partnership, customers will have the added benefit of booking flights with both carriers, allowing for greater convenience and flexibility in their travel plans.
Tickets for the new Narita-O’Hare route will go on sale starting February 12, and although JAL has not yet revealed the specific aircraft type for the route, passengers can expect the airline to utilize its modern and comfortable fleet, ensuring a pleasant flying experience.
where it competes with ANA and United Airlines, according to Cirium flight schedule data. The rivalry between these airlines is likely to benefit consumers, providing them with more options and competitive pricing for flights between Japan and the U.S.
As travel to Japan continues to gain momentum, JAL’s strategic moves are set to make it a dominant player in the transpacific market, offering passengers a seamless and efficient way to connect with one of the world’s most fascinating countries.
