All Nippon Airways (ANA) has announced a significant restructuring of its domestic network at Kansai International Airport (KIX), a move that will reshape how many travelers fly to and from the Osaka region. Starting from the summer 2026 schedule, Japan’s largest airline will suspend four key domestic routes, transferring these popular services to its low-cost carrier (LCC) subsidiary, Peach Aviation.
This strategic pivot will leave only the high-frequency Tokyo (Haneda) – Osaka (Kansai) route operating under the mainline ANA brand at KIX. For travelers heading to popular leisure destinations, this change marks a fundamental shift in service, pricing, and the overall flight experience.
The Routes Making the Switch
The following four domestic routes from Kansai International Airport (KIX) will be suspended by ANA and are expected to be operated by Peach Aviation:
- Sapporo (New Chitose)
- Naha (Okinawa)
- Miyako
- Ishigaki
These routes are especially popular with tourists, connecting the Kansai region with Japan’s northern island of Hokkaido and the southern islands of Okinawa. The transition is scheduled to be completed by the start of the 2026 summer schedule.
Behind the Decision: A Dual-Brand Strategy
This move is a core part of ANA Holdings’ “dual-brand” strategy, which aims to optimize its resources by clearly differentiating the roles of its full-service carrier (ANA) and its low-cost carrier (Peach).
Kansai International Airport has long been the primary hub for Peach Aviation. Even before the pandemic, LCCs played a huge role at the airport. In fiscal year 2019, LCCs accounted for approximately 40% of all domestic passengers at KIX, with Peach holding the largest share of that market.
By consolidating leisure-heavy routes under the Peach brand, ANA aims to:
- Improve Profitability: LCCs operate with a lower cost base, allowing for more competitive pricing and potentially higher profit margins on routes driven by price-sensitive leisure travelers.
- Focus on Core Business Routes: ANA will concentrate its full-service offerings on high-demand business routes like the Tokyo-Haneda connection, where passengers are more willing to pay for premium services, frequent flyer benefits, and flexible scheduling.
- Leverage Peach’s Strengths: Peach has a strong brand identity and a loyal customer base in the Kansai region. Transferring these routes allows the LCC to expand its network from its home base and capture a larger share of the market.
What This Means for Travelers
For anyone planning a trip to or from Osaka, this change will have a direct impact on their travel plans. It’s crucial to understand the differences between flying with a full-service carrier like ANA and an LCC like Peach.
The Passenger Experience
The shift from ANA to Peach means a transition from a full-service model to an à la carte LCC model.
- Fares: Expect base fares on these routes to be potentially lower. However, services that are typically included in an ANA ticket will come at an extra cost.
- Baggage: Checked baggage will no longer be included in the standard fare and will need to be purchased separately.
- In-Flight Services: Complimentary drinks and other in-flight services will be replaced by a buy-on-board menu.
- Seat Selection: Choosing your seat in advance will likely incur an additional fee.
For ANA Loyalists and Business Travelers
Frequent flyers with ANA Mileage Club status will see significant changes. Flying Peach on these routes will generally not grant access to ANA lounges, priority boarding, or the same level of mileage accumulation as flying on ANA-operated flights. This could make connecting between an international ANA flight and a domestic Peach flight a less seamless experience.
Future Outlook: KIX as a Powerful LCC Hub
This strategic realignment solidifies Kansai International Airport’s position as one of Asia’s most important LCC hubs. As Japan prepares to welcome millions of visitors for the 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo, having a robust and affordable domestic network will be critical.
Peach is expected to increase flight frequencies on these routes, offering more options for travelers. While the premium service of ANA will be missed on these leisure destinations, the potential for more competitive pricing and a greater number of flights could stimulate new demand and make travel from Kansai to Hokkaido and Okinawa more accessible than ever before. For travelers, the key will be to adjust expectations and booking habits, understanding that the era of full-service domestic travel on these routes from Kansai is coming to a close.
