ANA Expands European Network as Japan Sees Surge in Tourism

All Nippon Airways (ANA) is set to enhance its European network with the introduction of three new routes, capitalizing on the robust recovery in inbound tourism to Japan. Beginning in the northern winter 2024-25 season, ANA will launch flights to Istanbul, Milan, and Stockholm, increasing its European destinations to nine. The airline currently services five cities in Europe, with Vienna set to resume operations in August.

ANA will commence flights from Tokyo Haneda International Airport (HND) to Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) on December 3, 2024, utilizing Boeing 787-9 aircraft. Service to Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN) will start on January 31, 2025, with Boeing 787-8s, while flights to Istanbul Airport (IST) will begin on February 12, 2025, also with 787-8s. Each new route will operate three round-trip flights per week.

The expansion includes the revival of the Milan route, which ANA previously served until the late 1990s, and the introduction of new destinations in Istanbul and Stockholm. Currently, Turkish Airlines is the sole carrier offering nonstop flights between Tokyo and Istanbul. Milan has been unserved by ANA since the pandemic began, while Stockholm is a new addition to the carrier’s network.

ANA’s new routes reflect the airline’s commitment to meeting the growing demand for travel between Japan and these European countries. “We hope this expansion provides our travelers with greater choice and enhances their overall experience,” says ANA President and CEO Shinichi Inoue.

In addition to connecting Sweden to Japan, ANA’s entry into Stockholm signifies confidence in the Swedish market, which is a significant trading partner for Japan. The new routes align with Japan’s record-breaking influx of foreign visitors, reaching 17.78 million in the first half of 2024. This surge is part of Japan’s broader goal to attract 60 million visitors annually by 2030, bolstered by a weaker yen that makes travel to Japan more attractive.

The new European services are expected to contribute to ANA’s strategic growth, offering enhanced connectivity for travelers and reinforcing Japan’s position as a key destination in Asia.