Hokkaido encounters disaster-level heavy snow | New Chitose Airport becomes an “isolated island on land”! 7,000 passengers stayed overnight at the airport, JR is slow to resume operations

New Chitose Airport Stranded Thousands Due to Snowstorm, Chaos Ensues

Here’s a summary of the article:

Key Events:

* Massive Flight Cancellations: New Chitose Airport in Hokkaido, Japan, experienced widespread flight cancellations to and from Haneda and Kansai due to heavy snow and low visibility.
* 7,000+ Stranded Passengers: Over 7,000 passengers were stranded overnight at the airport, cut off from external transportation.
* Airport Facilities Overwhelmed: The airport company opened facilities and distributed sleeping bags and mats, but conditions were described as chaotic and uncomfortable.
* Continued Disruptions: Even after slight weather improvement, over 75 flights were still canceled as of 2 PM on January 26th.
* Supply Shortages: Convenience stores within the airport sold out of supplies, exacerbating the situation for stranded travelers.
* Railway Disruptions: JR Hokkaido suspended services, affecting over 500 flights, and faced difficulties resuming operations due to snow-blocked tracks and frozen equipment. The Airport Express to Sapporo did not resume until 1:25 PM.
* Ground transportation Chaos: Resumption of transportation led to massive queues at the airport (hundreds of meters long) for JR trains and temporary buses. Expressway closures substantially increased travel times to Sapporo (from 1 hour to over 3).

Passenger Experiences:

* Passengers reported being unable to sleep due to discomfort.
* Many passengers were frustrated by the lack of details regarding flight schedules.
* Travelers from Sendai and Tokyo faced long waits in the cold after arriving at the airport,before being able to reach Sapporo.

Sources/Attribution:

* Images are sourced from 小红书 (Xiaohongshu, a Chinese social media platform) users Zeeme and Rodencell.

In short, a severe snowstorm caused significant travel chaos in hokkaido, leaving thousands stranded at New Chitose Airport and disrupting ground transportation networks in Sapporo.

How many flights have been cancelled at New chitose Airport due to the recent snowstorm?

Hokkaido Snowstorm: New Chitose Airport Stranded, Travel Chaos Ensues

Hokkaido is currently grappling with record-breaking snowfall, leading to widespread disruption and effectively turning New chitose Airport into a temporary shelter for thousands. as of January 27, 2026, over 7,000 passengers were forced to spend the night at the airport due to extensive flight cancellations and blocked access routes. The situation highlights the vulnerability of transportation infrastructure to extreme weather events and the challenges of maintaining connectivity during severe winter conditions.

The Scale of the Disaster: Record Snowfall and Travel Disruptions

The heavy snow, described as “disaster-level” by local authorities, began accumulating rapidly on January 26th, exceeding ancient averages for this time of year. Sapporo and surrounding areas have been particularly hard hit, with snow depths reaching unprecedented levels.

* Flight Cancellations: Over 500 flights – both domestic and international – were cancelled on January 26th and 27th, impacting travel plans for tens of thousands of individuals. Airlines including Japan Airlines (JAL) and All Nippon Airways (ANA) have suspended operations, prioritizing passenger safety.

* Rail Network Paralysis: JR Hokkaido’s rail services have been severely disrupted.While some lines have partially resumed operation,meaningful delays and cancellations persist. The restoration of full service is proving challenging due to the sheer volume of snow and the need for extensive track clearing. The Hakodate Main Line and the soya Main Line are among the most affected.

* Road Closures: Major highways and local roads throughout Hokkaido are impassable, hindering ground transportation and preventing access to the airport for both arriving and departing passengers. Snow removal efforts are ongoing, but progress is slow.

* Power Outages: While widespread, significant power outages haven’t been reported, localized disruptions have occurred, impacting some communities and adding to the overall hardship.

New Chitose Airport: An “Isolated Island”

New Chitose Airport, normally a bustling international hub, has become a focal point of the crisis.With access roads blocked and flights grounded, the airport transformed into a makeshift accommodation centre.

* Passenger Accommodation: Airport authorities and airline staff worked to provide blankets, food, and water to stranded passengers. Temporary sleeping areas were set up in terminal buildings.

* Limited Resources: Despite efforts to provide assistance, resources were stretched thin as the number of stranded passengers swelled. reports indicate shortages of basic necessities like baby formula and medication.

* Ground staff Challenges: Airport staff are working around the clock to clear runways and taxiways, but the continuous snowfall is hampering their efforts. The sheer volume of snow requires specialized equipment and a coordinated response.

* Impact on Cargo: The disruption extends beyond passenger travel, with significant delays in cargo shipments, impacting businesses and supply chains.

JR Hokkaido’s Slow Recovery & Contributing Factors

The slow pace of rail service resumption has drawn criticism. Several factors are contributing to the challenges:

1. Snow Accumulation Rate: The exceptionally high snowfall rate overwhelmed existing snow removal capabilities.
2. Track Design: Some sections of the JR Hokkaido network are particularly vulnerable to heavy snow accumulation due to their geographical location and track design.
3. Aging infrastructure: Parts of the rail infrastructure are aging, requiring more time and resources for maintenance and repair, further delaying restoration efforts.
4. Equipment Limitations: The availability of specialized snow removal equipment is limited, hindering the speed of track clearing.

Historical Precedent: Hokkaido and Heavy Snow

Hokkaido is no stranger to heavy snowfall,but the intensity of this recent event is exceptional.

* 2006 Snowstorms: in February 2006,a series of powerful snowstorms paralyzed Hokkaido,causing widespread disruption and economic losses. This event prompted investments in snow removal infrastructure and improved disaster preparedness measures.

* Regional Snow Patterns: Hokkaido’s geographical location and prevailing weather patterns make it particularly susceptible to heavy snowfall, influenced by Siberian air masses and moisture-laden winds from the Sea of Japan.

* Climate Change considerations: Some experts suggest that climate change may be contributing to the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, including heavy snowfall in regions like Hokkaido.

Practical Tips for Travelers & Residents

* Check travel Advisories: Before traveling to or within Hokkaido, check the latest travel advisories from airlines, JR Hokkaido, and local authorities.

* Pack Appropriately: If traveling during winter, pack warm clothing, waterproof outerwear, and sturdy footwear.

* Stock Up on Supplies: Residents should stock up on essential supplies, including food, water, and medication, in case of prolonged disruptions.

* Stay Informed: Monitor local news and weather reports for updates on the situation.

* Emergency Preparedness: Familiarize yourself with emergency procedures and evacuation routes.

Benefits of Improved Infrastructure & Disaster Preparedness

Investing in robust infrastructure and complete disaster preparedness plans is crucial for mitigating the impact of future extreme weather events.

* Enhanced Snow Removal Capabilities: Investing in advanced snow removal equipment and expanding snow storage facilities can significantly improve the speed of track and road clearing.

* Infrastructure Resilience: Strengthening infrastructure to withstand heavy snow loads can reduce the risk of damage and disruption.

* Early Warning Systems: Developing and implementing effective early warning systems can provide timely alerts to residents and travelers,allowing them to prepare for impending storms.

* Community Resilience: Promoting