A Major Shift in the Kansai Skies
A significant change is on the horizon for air travel to and from Japan’s Kansai region. All Nippon Airways (ANA), one of the country’s flagship carriers, has announced a major restructuring of its domestic operations at Kansai International Airport (KIX). Starting with the summer schedule in 2026, ANA will drastically reduce its domestic routes from KIX, maintaining only its key connection to Tokyo’s Haneda Airport (HND).
In its place, Peach Aviation, ANA’s low-cost carrier (LCC) subsidiary, will step in to expand its own domestic network from its home base at KIX. This strategic realignment by the ANA Group signals a new era for travel in western Japan, reshaping the options available to visitors heading to Osaka, Kyoto, and beyond.
Behind the Decision: A Tale of Two Brands
This move is not a simple withdrawal but a calculated strategic pivot known as a “dual-brand strategy.” The ANA Group aims to optimize its resources by clearly defining the roles of its two airline brands to match the unique characteristics of the Kansai travel market.
Understanding the Kansai Market
Unlike Tokyo’s airports, which serve a heavy mix of business and leisure travelers, Kansai International Airport has long been a major gateway for international tourists and domestic leisure travelers. The post-pandemic travel boom has amplified this trend. In 2023, Japan welcomed over 25 million international visitors, with KIX serving as a critical entry point for many. The airport’s traffic is heavily skewed towards inbound tourism and price-sensitive domestic travelers, a demographic perfectly suited for the LCC model.
This contrasts with Osaka’s other major airport, Itami Airport (ITM), which primarily serves domestic business routes with its convenient proximity to the city center. The ANA Group’s strategy is to let the premium, full-service ANA brand focus on the high-demand business route to Haneda, while allowing the cost-effective, flexible Peach brand to cater to Kansai’s core market.
How Will This Affect Your Trip to Osaka?
For travelers, this change brings both new opportunities and potential drawbacks, depending on your travel style and preferences.
The Upside: A Boost for Budget-Conscious Travelers
The expansion of Peach is excellent news for budget travelers. As Peach takes over routes previously served by ANA (such as those to Sapporo, Okinawa, and other popular domestic destinations), travelers can expect:
- More Competitive Fares: Increased LCC capacity often leads to more competitive pricing, making it cheaper to combine a trip to Osaka with other destinations in Japan.
- An Expanded LCC Network: Peach will likely add more flights and potentially new routes from KIX, providing greater direct access to Kansai from various regional cities across Japan. This is particularly beneficial for international tourists looking to explore multiple regions without relying solely on the Shinkansen.
The Downside: Fewer Options for Full-Service Flyers
Travelers who prefer the full-service experience of ANA or are members of its frequent flyer program will see their options shrink significantly.
- Loss of Direct ANA Connections: If you’re flying to Kansai from a Japanese city other than Tokyo, you will no longer have a direct ANA flight option into KIX. This could mean inconvenient transfers or choosing a different airline.
- Impact on International Connections: Passengers who used to fly ANA domestically into KIX to connect to an international flight (or vice-versa) will find this process more complicated. A transfer between an ANA flight and a Peach flight would be less seamless, as they operate as separate airlines with different baggage policies and terminals.
Looking Ahead: The Expo 2025 Era and Beyond
This strategic shift is timed to capitalize on a major upcoming event: the Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai. With an estimated 28 million visitors expected, ensuring robust and affordable air connectivity is crucial. Peach’s expanded network will play a key role in transporting domestic and international visitors to the event.
This move further solidifies the distinct roles of the three Kansai-area airports:
- Kansai International Airport (KIX): The hub for international travel and low-cost domestic flights.
- Itami Airport (ITM): The primary airport for domestic business travel, especially to and from Tokyo.
- Kobe Airport (UKB): A growing base for mid-to-long-haul domestic routes.
What to Keep in Mind
As you plan your future travels to Osaka and the Kansai region, this airline restructuring will be a key factor. If you value low fares and flexibility, the expanded Peach network will be a welcome development. If you are a loyal ANA customer or prefer the amenities of a full-service carrier, you may need to adjust your travel plans, perhaps by flying into Itami or connecting through Haneda.
Ultimately, this change reflects the dynamic and evolving nature of Japan’s tourism landscape. For the vibrant, visitor-focused Kansai region, a stronger LCC presence at its main international gateway is a logical and forward-looking step.
