February 16, 2025
Snow Bound: Qantas to Launch Direct Flights to Sapporo, Japan

Snow Bound: Qantas to Launch Direct Flights to Sapporo, Japan

Qantas will introduce a new seasonal service from Sydney to Japan's premier ski destination Sapporo, starting 15 December 2025.
A Qantas A330 over Hokkaido, Japan
Photo Credit: Qantas

Australians will soon enjoy exclusive nonstop flights from Sydney to Sapporo, as Qantas introduces a new seasonal service to Japan’s premier snow destination.

The route marks a significant milestone as the airline’s 100th destination, reinforcing Qantas’s commitment to expanding its international network.

Sapporo in Peak Ski Season


Starting 15 December 2025, Qantas will operate three weekly flights to New Chitose Airport through 28 March 2026.

The service will utilize Airbus A330-200 aircraft, providing over 20,000 seats throughout the winter season. This strategic scheduling aligns perfectly with peak ski season demand, offering Australian travelers unprecedented access to Japan’s renowned winter destinations.

A Qantas Sydney to Sapporo ticket in the snow.

The morning departure from Sydney arrives in Sapporo early evening, dramatically reducing travel time compared to existing options. This convenient schedule allows travelers to reach popular ski resorts like Niseko, Furano, Rusutsu, and Kiroro on the same day.

Visitors can even enjoy their final morning skiing before catching the evening return flight to Sydney, maximizing their vacation time in Japan’s winter wonderland.

Situated on Japan’s northernmost island, Hokkaido offers visitors pristine powder snow, bustling village life, and renowned hot spring towns such as Noboribetsu and Jozankei.

The region is celebrated for its exceptional snow quality, drawing winter sports enthusiasts from around the globe.

The flight schedule aligns perfectly with the celebrated Sapporo Snow Festival, one of Japan’s most spectacular winter events, providing visitors with an opportunity to experience both world-class skiing and cultural festivities.

Economy tickets for these flights will become available on the airline website, including comprehensive amenities such as checked baggage, meals, drinks, and entertainment.

This all-inclusive approach ensures travelers can focus on enjoying their winter adventure without worrying about additional costs.

Japanese Network Expansion


This new route significantly expands Qantas’s Japanese network, which already features twice-daily Sydney-Tokyo Haneda flights and daily services from Melbourne and Brisbane to Tokyo Narita.

Qantas remains the sole carrier connecting Australia’s three major cities with Tokyo, demonstrating its strong presence in the Australian-Japanese travel market.

The Qantas Group’s expanded network now encompasses eight routes between Australia and Japan, offering more than 1.5 million seats annually.

This substantial capacity reflects the growing demand for travel between the two countries. It furthers Qantas’ commitment to serving this important market.

Qantas International CEO Cam Wallace was pleased with the development. “Sapporo is a winter paradise for Australian snow enthusiasts. We’re thrilled to offer direct access to Hokkaido’s world-class ski resorts.”

“These flights will significantly reduce travel time by eliminating connections through Tokyo or other cities, maximizing time on the slopes.”

Qantas A330 over Sapporo, Japan.

Sapporo: 100th Qantas Destination


Wallace added, “Japan continues to captivate Australian travelers, making Sapporo a fitting choice as our 100th destination. This follows our successful launches to Paris, Palau, and Port Vila. Our previous Sapporo service in early 2020 received outstanding customer feedback, and we’re eager to resume this popular route.”

The introduction of these direct flights not only enhances convenience for Australian travelers but also strengthens the cultural and tourism ties between Australia and Japan.

By providing easier access to Hokkaido’s winter attractions, Qantas is opening new opportunities for Australian tourists to explore Japan’s northern wilderness while contributing to the region’s tourism economy.

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