All Nippon Airways (ANA), Japan’s premier airline, officially launched operations at Stockholm Arlanda Airport on 31 January 2025.
The inauguration of this strategic intercontinental route connecting Stockholm and Tokyo drew a number of distinguished attendees.
In attendance were Infrastructure and Housing Minister Andreas Carlson, Japanese Ambassador H.E. Hideaki Mizukoshi, Swedavia CEO Jonas Abrahamsson, and ANA’s Executive Vice President for EMEA, Hiroyuki Miyagawa.
As a member of Star Alliance, ANA will operate three weekly flights on this route. This service will significantly benefit both tourism and business sectors. Cargo operations will also benefit from reduced delivery times between the two countries, facilitating more efficient trade relations.

Building on Japan-Sweden Trade Partnership
“We’re thrilled to welcome ANA to Stockholm Arlanda Airport,” declared Jonas Abrahamsson, Swedavia’s president and CEO. “This new service significantly enhances Sweden’s international connectivity and expands travel options for business travelers and those visiting loved ones.”
“Our two nations share deep historical ties, and maintaining strong connections between Sweden and Japan remains a mutual priority that this route perfectly exemplifies.”
The significance of this route extends far beyond mere travel convenience. Japan currently stands as Sweden’s second-largest Asian trading partner. There are nearly 150 Swedish companies, ranging from established corporations to innovative start-ups, maintaining active operations within Japan.
Conversely, Sweden represents Japan’s biggest Nordic export market, hosting approximately 180 Japanese businesses that contribute significantly to the local economy.

Broader Access to ANA Network
The Stockholm Arlanda-Tokyo Haneda route offers more than just direct access to Japan’s vibrant capital. Through ANA’s comprehensive network, travelers gain improved connections to numerous destinations across Asia, Australia, and the South Pacific.
This enhanced connectivity serves both corporate requirements and leisure travelers, facilitating seamless international business operations and personal travel plans.
Japanese Ambassador H.E. Hideaki Mizukoshi emphasized the route’s broader impact. “This direct connection will strengthen the bonds between our nations.”
“It encourages cultural exchange and tourism while fostering stronger business relationships between Japan and Sweden. It represents a new chapter in our countries’ longstanding partnership.”
Hiroyuki Miyagawa, ANA’s Executive Vice President, shared his enthusiasm. “Today’s launch of our first Swedish-Japanese non-stop flight marks a significant milestone in our European expansion strategy.”
“By establishing Stockholm as a key hub, we’re enhancing connectivity throughout the Nordic region and our European network. This addition complements our existing Japanese connections from major European cities including London, Frankfurt, Brussels, Paris, Munich, Vienna, and Milan, with Istanbul joining our network in February 2025.”

About ANA
Since its modest beginnings with just two helicopters in 1952, All Nippon Airways has evolved into Japan’s largest airline. The company formed ANA HOLDINGS Inc. in 2013, overseeing 69 companies including ANA and Peach Aviation, Japan’s leading low-cost carrier.
As the world’s largest operator of Boeing 787 Dreamliners, ANA maintains extensive global reach through Star Alliance membership and strategic joint ventures with major European and American carriers.
The airline holds numerous prestigious accolades, including SKYTRAX’s 5-star COVID-19 safety rating and consistent recognition in global sustainability indices.
ANA stands as the only aviation company to receive the Gold Class distinction from the 2022 S&P Global Sustainability Awards. It has maintained its position on both the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index and Asia Pacific Index for multiple consecutive years.

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