Thousands Grounded: 119 Flights Cancelled & 755 Flights Delayed Due to Japan Earthquake

Thousands of travellers have been grounded across Japan following operational disruptions that led to mass flight cancellations and delays nationwide. The strain on air traffic control is a result of yesterday’s Japan earthquake fallout.

As of the latest reports, a staggering 119 domestic flights have been cancelled and 755 flights delayed due to the Japan earthquake. This impacted major airlines like ANA Wings, ANA, Japan Airlines, Air Do, and Peach Aviation.

Key Hubs Impacted by Japan Earthquake

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The disruption spread across northern, central, and southern Japan, affecting key entry points popular with Singaporean travellers:

• Tokyo Haneda (HND): Recorded the highest volume of disruptions with 301 delays and 29 cancellations. Many travellers use Haneda as a gateway to connect to other regions.
• New Chitose (CTS), Sapporo/Hokkaido: Saw one of the highest cancellation totals, with 42 flights cancelled and 205 delayed. This is a major concern for those planning winter holidays in Hokkaido.
• Osaka Itami (ITM): Experienced 68 delays and 13 cancellations, affecting travel plans around the Kansai region.
• Fukuoka (FUK): Registered 86 delays and 15 cancellations, impacting travel to the Kyushu region.

JAL recorded the highest number of delays (250), while ANA and its regional arm, ANA Wings, accounted for the majority of the cancellations.

Foreign carriers, including those frequently used by Singaporeans for transfers (such as Cathay Pacific and Korean Air), also reported 100% delay rates on their limited schedules.

Advice for Singapore-Based Travellers

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Singaporeans currently in Japan or departing for Japan soon are advised to take the following steps:

• Check Status Immediately: Do not proceed to the airport without first checking the real-time status of your flight directly via your airline’s website (ANA, JAL, Air Do, Peach Aviation, etc.).
• Arrive Early: Expect longer queues at check-in and rebooking counters, especially at major hubs like Haneda and New Chitose.
• Monitor Connecting Flights: If you are using a domestic Japanese flight to connect to a Singapore-bound flight, be aware that delays are leading to missed onward connections.

Passengers are encouraged to be patient and follow the instructions of airport staff and airline representatives as operators work to stabilise schedules across Japan.