United Airlines has formally announced the permanent discontinuation of the non-stop service between Honolulu and Tokyo Narita. This decision comes after a history of more than 35 years of operation. The service, which was originally set to resume daily flights on the Boeing 777-200ER from October 28, has been indefinitely halted. Customers who had booked tickets for this route will be accommodated on flights provided by All Nippon Airways, a Joint Venture and Star Alliance partner of United.
See also: United Expands Transpacific Flights for Winter 2023/2024
The U.S.-based carrier had initially suspended this operation back in March 2020 due to the onslaught of the pandemic. The route was briefly revived on December 18, 2021, operating three flights per week. However, this revival was short-lived, as service was paused again on January 22, 2022, in response to a surge in COVID-19 cases and increased international travel restrictions by Japan. This route had been United’s sole direct connection from Hawaii to Asia.
The Honolulu – Tokyo Narita route is a legacy inherited from Pan Am’s Pacific division, which United acquired in 1986. Passengers from the United States have traditionally used this route, flying from Daniel K. Inouye International Airport to Narita Airport, and then onward to other destinations in Asia via United’s broad Tokyo network.
Over the years, United has operated this route using a variety of aircraft including the Boeing 747 SP, Boeing 747-200, Boeing 747-400, and Boeing 777-200ER.
United’s international network at Narita Airport this winter season includes nonstop service to Denver, Newark, Guam, Houston – Intercontinental, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Saipan. In addition to these, the airline also offers flights from the U.S. mainland and Guam to Tokyo/Haneda, Osaka, Fukuoka, Nagoya, and Tokyo/Narita.
According to information obtained from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) by Aviacionline, 1,642,964 passengers were transported between Honolulu and Tokyo/Narita in 2019, reaching an occupancy factor of 85%. Presently, the market is served by low-cost carrier ZIPAIR, as well as legacy carriers like Japan Airlines, All Nippon Airways, and Hawaiian Airlines.
