Konnichiwa! We are excited that Japan Airlines has announced they will resume nonstop service to Tokyo, Japan via Narita International Airport (NRT) from San Diego International Airport (SAN) three times a week. The first arrival into San Diego will be on March 2 and the first departure from San Diego on March 3.

By providing Japan with direct access to our region, San Diego is more competitive and attractive to individuals looking to vacation or conduct business in Southern California, which is critical to rebuilding our economy post-COVID-19. The San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation has correlated nonstop international service with an average 20 percent increase in investment flows between destinations. With more San Diegans employed by Japanese owned firms than any other foreign country, this flight will provide a direct link between regional employees and their international headquarters. And with the Summer Olympics (hopefully) being held in Tokyo, we bet there will be some San Diegans taking advantage of this nonstop flight.

This week, following the Japan Airlines announcement, Alaska Airlines announced they would offer daily nonstop service to New York via John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) from SAN beginning April 4. This service will complement Alaska Airlines’ daily nonstop service to Newark Liberty International Airport which is also scheduled to resume this spring and provide passengers with additional options to get to the New York metropolitan area. This is the first new route Alaska Airlines has added from SAN this year. They will begin nonstop service to Missoula, Montana March 18.

We know that it is not the right time for everyone to travel, but when you’re ready, we’ll be here. As an international airport, we’re committed to procuring flights and facilitating economic growth through enhanced air access to our community. The additional service to Tokyo and New York City is great news for San Diego as it means we are on our way to recovery.