United Airlines Adds Sapporo Nonstop, New Chicago-Tokyo-Narita Flight

‍CHICAGO — United Airlines (UA) announced today its plans to expand further into Japan, offering the first nonstop flight service from the continental U.S. to Sapporo (CTS), Japan, as well as adding a new daily route between ORD (Chicago O’Hare) and NRT (Tokyo-Narita). The airline hopes to become the first U.S.-based airline offering a nonstop service between NRT and ORD.

"Whether customers are dreaming of skiing in Sapporo, planning a business trip to Tokyo with some exploration added in, or an even bigger adventure across Asia, United gives travelers more ways to get there than any U.S. airline," said Patrick Quayle, Senior Vice President of Network Planning and Global Alliances, United Airlines. 

"Our new nonstop service from San Francisco to Sapporo makes it easier to vacation in one of Japan's most unique destinations, while our new Chicago to Tokyo-Narita service gives business and leisure travelers a premium onboard experience and the flexibility to continue their journey across Asia on United to exciting destinations like Cebu, Palau and Ulaanbaatar, or onward on our joint venture partner ANA to cities like Jakarta and Kuala Lumpur."

With UA as the leading carrier serving flights between the United States and Japan, these expanded routes aim to give travelers an easier, hassle-free way to explore Japan's beauty. In 2025, the airline flew more than 1.8 million passengers between the two countries–more than any other U.S. carrier combined. Starting on December 11th, the new route will operate 3 times weekly from SFO (San Francisco) to CTS (Sapporo), with flights expected to be operated on the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner.

According to the press release from United, “Sapporo offers travelers an entirely new way to experience Japan in the winter, from fresh powder for world-class skiing to a rich culinary scene with must-try dishes like Sapporo ramen and Hokkaido seafood. The city is also home to the iconic Sapporo Snow Festival, where it transforms into a winter wonderland.” For any winter lover, Sapporo is a must-see destination for a visit to Japan.

Chicago-Tokyo daily

In addition to its new Sapporo route, UA will offer a new daily route between ORD and NRT starting October 24th. The route will mark United as the only U.S. airline offering service between Chicago and Tokyo-Narita, further expanding its position as the only U.S. carrier connecting Chicago to the Pacific region nonstop. These flights are also expected to operate on a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner.

Whether you intend to make your final stop in Tokyo or connect to destinations across Asia, including Cebu, Guam, Kaohsiung, Palau, Saipan, and Ulaanbaatar, the new route offers seamless travel from one of United’s largest hubs.

The new routes will allow UA to serve five airports in four Japanese cities from its hubs in the continental U.S. and Guam: Sapporo (CTS), Tokyo-Narita (NRT), Tokyo-Haneda (HND), Osaka (KIX), and Nagoya (NGO). As of May 14th, 2026, tickets for the flights will be available later today on the United app or United.com.