Heavy snow in Japan disrupts holiday air traffic

Heavy snow in Japan's northern region cancelled dozens of flights Tuesday as millions of families were returning home to spend the New Year holiday with their loved ones.

Japan Airlines announced the cancellation of 42 flights by early Tuesday afternoon, impacting 6,398 passengers, as rough weather gripped the northernmost island of Hokkaido. Similarly, its main competitor, ANA, canceled 14 flights, affecting 800 passengers, and cautioned customers about potential delays and additional cancellations.

At Hokkaido's main airport, passengers were seen forming long lines in hopes of securing alternative flights. Some resigned themselves to spending New Year’s Eve in the departure lounge. One traveler, trying to return to Okinawa in southern Japan, expressed his frustration to broadcaster HTB, saying, "It was great to see snow, but I didn't think I would be trapped here. I don't know what to do. I might have to stay at the airport tonight."

The Japan Meteorological Agency reported that Hokkaido and northern coastal areas facing the Sea of Japan were experiencing heavy snow and strong winds. Over 20 centimeters (7.9 inches) of snow had fallen in some parts of Hokkaido since Monday, most of it accumulating on Tuesday morning. Snowfall is expected to continue through New Year’s Day.

This winter’s harsh weather follows an extraordinary year of climate extremes in Japan. The summer of 2024 tied with 2023 as the hottest on record, with extreme heatwaves fueled by climate change affecting many regions globally. The autumn of 2024 was also the warmest in Japan’s 126 years of recorded history. Mount Fuji’s iconic snowcap appeared later than ever before, arriving in early November instead of its usual early October average.

As winter weather causes disruptions, it underscores the volatility of Japan’s climate in a year marked by record-breaking heat and late-season changes.