Hokkaido Blizzard Forces 82 Flight Cancellations at New Chitose Airport

ByUjjwal Sukhwani•January 14, 2026 at 06:34 PM•2 min read

AIRPORTS

Hokkaido Blizzard Forces 82 Flight Cancellations at New Chitose Airport

New Chitose Airport faced significant commercial aviation operations disruption on January 13th, as a Hokkaido blizzard caused 82 flight cancellations impacting thousands of passengers.

Key Points

182 flights (arrivals and departures) were canceled at New Chitose Airport on January 13th.
2The disruption was caused by a rapidly developing low-pressure system bringing heavy snowfall and strong winds up to 35 m/s.
3Hundreds of travelers were stranded overnight at the airport terminal due to the widespread flight cancellations.
4The event highlights the continuous challenge of winter weather impact on commercial aviation operations in northern Japan.

A powerful Hokkaido blizzard severely impacted commercial aviation operations on January 13th.

This disruption centered on New Chitose Airport (CTS) near Sapporo, Japan. A rapidly developing low-pressure system moved through the region. It brought heavy snowfall and dangerously strong winds over a wide area. Authorities reported the cancellation of 82 arriving and departing flights at CTS.

Operational Impact and Passenger Challenges

The severe weather caused widespread Sapporo air travel disruption. The storm intensified rapidly during the afternoon. Visibility was reduced to near zero in some areas. Forecasts indicated wind speeds could reach 35 meters per second. This made safe takeoff and landing impossible. The conditions also hampered essential airport ground handling services. This includes de-icing and runway clearing operations.

The airport operator confirmed 82 flights were canceled on Tuesday.
Numerous other flights experienced significant delays.
Hundreds of passengers were stranded overnight at the terminal.

Stranded travelers received mats and blankets from airport staff. They spent the night inside the terminal building. The situation highlights the winter weather impact on Japanese air travel. Airlines like Airbus and Boeing aircraft were grounded across the region.

Industry Response and Outlook

Airline schedule adjustments are critical during these events. Carriers must quickly re-accommodate affected passengers. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) stresses operational resilience. This is especially true for airports in high-snow regions. New Chitose Airport is a major hub for Hokkaido's winter tourism. The airport is generally well-equipped for snow operations. However, the intensity of this particular blizzard overwhelmed capacity. Forecasts warned that whiteout conditions and heavy snowdrifts could continue. These conditions were expected through the early hours of Thursday. Total snowfall was forecast to reach up to 40 centimeters in some areas. The disruption extended beyond air travel. Rail services across northern Japan were also suspended. For more commercial aviation news, visit flying.flights. The aviation industry must constantly refine its protocols. This is necessary to mitigate the risk of extreme weather events.