Heavy snow and strong winds struck Japan on Sunday, January 12, 2026, during a three-day holiday, prompting major airlines to cancel numerous domestic flights. Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airways together scrapped over 100 flights, affecting thousands of passengers. The Japan Meteorological Agency forecasts continued inclement weather into Monday.
Heavy snow and strong winds swept across Japan on Sunday, January 12, 2026, driven by a winter pressure pattern, disrupting air travel during a three-day holiday weekend.
As of 8 p.m. that day, Japan Airlines (JAL) had canceled 58 domestic flights, impacting 1,945 passengers. Affected routes included the Osaka Itami to Tajima line. All Nippon Airways (ANA) reported 43 domestic cancellations by 6 p.m., affecting around 2,800 passengers, with the Haneda to Tottori route among those suspended.
These figures marked an increase from JAL's earlier tally of 45 flights canceled by 4 p.m., affecting 1,183 passengers, underscoring the worsening conditions. ANA anticipates canceling at least four more flights on Monday, including the Toyama-Haneda and Komatsu-Haneda routes.
The Japan Meteorological Agency warned of continued heavy snow and gusts over a wide area on Monday, potentially prolonging disruptions to transportation. Such weather events are common in Japan's winter, but their timing during a holiday has significantly hampered travel plans for many.
