Qantas has unveiled a new direct seasonal flight route from Sydney to Sapporo’s New Chitose Airport, becoming the only carrier to offer nonstop service between the two destinations. This marks Sapporo as the airline’s 100th destination, with flights commencing just in time for the northern hemisphere’s peak ski season.
The new service will operate three times per week from 15 December 2025 to 28 March 2026 using Qantas’ Airbus A330-200 aircraft. Each flight will offer 27 business class suites, featuring lie-flat beds and direct aisle access, alongside 228 economy seats in a 2-4-2 configuration.
Departing Sydney in the morning and arriving in Sapporo early evening, the nonstop flights are designed to save travelers several hours compared to existing one-stop options. This schedule allows same-day access to Hokkaido’s premier ski resorts. Returning passengers can enjoy a morning on the slopes before an evening departure back to Sydney.
Expanding Qantas’ Presence in Japan
This new route solidifies Qantas’ position as a key player in the Australia-Japan market. It complements the airline’s existing double daily flights from Sydney to Tokyo Haneda, along with daily flights from Melbourne and Brisbane to Tokyo Narita. Combined with Jetstar’s services, the Qantas Group now offers eight routes and over 1.5 million seats annually between Australia and Japan.
“We know Sapporo is an extremely popular winter destination for Aussies who love the snow, and we’re excited to make it even easier for them to reach Hokkaido’s world-class ski resorts with a direct flight from Sydney,” said Cam Wallace, CEO of Qantas International.
“Australians’ love affair with Japan is stronger than ever, so it is fitting that Sapporo will also mark the 100th destination in the Qantas network,” Wallace added.
Booking and Benefits
The route offers more than 20,000 seats across the ski season, making it an attractive option for both leisure and adventure travelers.
Qantas last served Sapporo in early 2020. The new service reflects growing demand for travel between Australia and Japan, bolstered by the enduring popularity of Japan’s unique cultural and outdoor experiences.
