Blizzard Grips Japan, Leading to Widespread Flight Cancellations by JAL and ANA

Severe Winter Weather Halts Air Travel Across Japan

A powerful winter pressure pattern brought heavy snow and strong winds across Japan on Sunday, January 11, 2026, leading to extensive flight cancellations by major carriers Japan Airlines (JAL) and All Nippon Airways (ANA). The severe weather conditions disrupted travel for thousands of passengers during a three-day holiday weekend.

Major Airlines Report Numerous Cancellations

As of 4 p.m. JST on Sunday, Japan Airlines had canceled 45 domestic flights, impacting approximately 1,183 passengers. Affected routes included services such as the Osaka Itami-Tajima connection. Similarly, All Nippon Airways reported 43 domestic flight cancellations by 6 p.m. JST, affecting around 2,800 passengers. The Haneda-Tottori route was among those disrupted. Both airlines offered special handling for affected tickets, allowing for free changes, rebooking, and refunds.

Widespread Snowfall and Strong Winds Blanket the Nation

The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) confirmed that the intense winter pressure pattern was responsible for the severe weather. Regions particularly affected by heavy snow and strong winds included areas along the Sea of Japan coast, stretching from Hokkaido in the north to Kyushu in the southwest. Forecasts indicated significant snowfall, with mountainous areas in the Tohoku region and the prefectures of Niigata and Gifu expecting up to 80 centimeters (31 inches) of snow. The Hokuriku region could see up to 70 centimeters (28 inches), while Kinki might receive up to 60 centimeters (24 inches). Wind speeds reached as high as 109 km/h (68 mph) at Oki Airport in Shimane Prefecture.

Broader Transportation Disruptions and Ongoing Warnings

Beyond air travel, the blizzard also impacted other forms of transportation. Japan Railways companies reported cancellations of some train services, particularly in the Tohoku and Hokuriku regions, where visibility and track conditions were severely compromised. The JMA issued warnings for continued heavy snow and strong winds across a wide area on Monday, January 12, 2026, with ANA anticipating further cancellations, including routes like Toyama-Haneda and Komatsu-Haneda. Authorities urged the public to remain vigilant for hazardous conditions, potential traffic disruptions, and secondary dangers such as avalanches and power outages.