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United Airlines is continuing its rapid international expansion with two new Japan routes launching in late 2026, including a brand-new route to Sapporo for ski season.
United Adds More Service to Japan
The airline will add daily flights between Chicago O’Hare (ORD) and Tokyo Narita (NRT) beginning October 24, and United is the only airline serving this route. This will complement United’s existing service between Chicago and Tokyo Haneda (HND).
United’s Joint Venture partner, ANA, also flies from Chicago to both Tokyo Haneda and Tokyo Narita, and United customers will be able to continue onwards in Asia Pacific on ANA. United themselves has a few interesting fifth freedom flights from Tokyo Narita to Cebu, Guam, Kaohsiung, Palau, Saipan, and Ulaanbaatar.
In addition to Tokyo Narita, United is launching new flights from San Francisco (SFO) to Sapporo (CTS) beginning December 11, marking the first nonstop flights between the U.S. and Sapporo.
United now flying ORD – NRT, SFO – CTS
Hokkaido has become increasingly popular with North American travellers thanks to its skiing, winter tourism, food scene, and easy access to popular resorts like Niseko. However, nonstop service from North America remains relatively limited compared to Tokyo or Osaka. It might be the new hot destination, as Air Canada also announced a nonstop from Vancouver to Sapporo, with flights beginning December 17. For what it’s worth, Air Canada will also fly to Sapporo 3X weekly.
| Route | Frequency | Start Date | Aircraft |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago (ORD) – Tokyo Narita (NRT) | Daily | October 24, 2026 | Boeing 777-200ER |
| San Francisco (SFO) – Sapporo (CTS) | 3x weekly | December 11, 2026 | Boeing 787-8 |
In 2025, United flew more passengers to Japan than all other U.S. carriers combined, and these additions mean up to 13 daily flights between Sapporo, Tokyo Narita, Tokyo Haneda, and Osaka. United continues to bolster its transpacific network, now with a total of 33 destinations.
This Comes Just Weeks After United’s Summer Expansion
This latest announcement comes only weeks after United unveiled a major international expansion for summer 2026 focused heavily on Europe.
United adds new nonstop service to Bari, Santiago de Compostela, Glasgow, and Split
That announcement included four brand-new destinations from Newark:
| Route | Frequency | Start Date |
|---|---|---|
| Newark (EWR) – Split (SPU) | 3x weekly | April 30, 2026 |
| Newark (EWR) – Bari (BRI) | 4x weekly | May 1, 2026 |
| Newark (EWR) – Glasgow (GLA) | Daily | May 8, 2026 |
| Newark (EWR) – Santiago de Compostela (SCQ) | 3x weekly | May 27, 2026 |
Compared to Delta and America, United has long since been the most aggressive when it comes to international expansion, and it’s not even close. Rather than simply restoring pre-pandemic flying, the airline has consistently added secondary European cities, niche leisure destinations, and other underserved international markets. Who else is flying Tokyo to Ulaanbaatar?!
Why Canadians Should Care
Even though these routes don’t originate in Canada, they’re still relevant for Canadian travellers.
As we discussed in our article on why Canadians should care about United Airlines, United’s massive route network creates additional redemption opportunities for Aeroplan members.
For Canadians willing to connect through hubs like Chicago or San Francisco, United’s continued expansion can mean more flights, aka more award opportunities to Asia and additional routes bookable through Aeroplan.
That’s especially important as premium cabin award space to Japan continues to become increasingly competitive. Of course, that does require United to open award space to Aeroplan.
If there’s no partner award space, Canadians can now unlock additional award space directly through United MileagePlus by holding the Neo United Mastercard.
Fly from Toronto to Sydney for 90,000 United miles
Takeaway
United Airlines is adding new flights to Tokyo Narita and Sapporo as the carrier continues rapidly expanding its international network.
The new Japan routes build on United’s already ambitious summer 2026 Europe expansion, which included new nonstop service to destinations like Split, Bari, Santiago de Compostela, and Glasgow.
For Canadians, United’s continued growth means even more Aeroplan redemption opportunities. Notably, flying United on points is now much more accessible through the Neo United Mastercard.
