All Nippon Airways (ANA) has unveiled a landmark decision that will reshape air travel in the Kansai region. Starting with the 2026 summer schedule, the airline will suspend all its domestic flights from Kansai International Airport (KIX), with the sole exception of its route to Tokyo’s Haneda Airport. This strategic pivot will see its low-cost carrier (LCC) subsidiary, Peach Aviation, take the reins, significantly expanding its network to serve the region’s burgeoning leisure and inbound tourism markets.
A Major Shift in the Skies of Kansai
The announcement marks a significant turning point for Japan’s largest airline at one of its key airports. From 2026, travelers looking to fly with ANA from Kansai to popular domestic destinations like Sapporo (New Chitose), Naha, Miyako, and Ishigaki will no longer find these routes available.
Instead, ANA will consolidate its resources, channeling them into its highly competitive and business-oriented Haneda route. This move is a core component of the ANA Group’s “dual-brand strategy,” which aims to clearly define the roles of its two airline brands to maximize efficiency and cater to different customer segments.
Behind the Decision: The Dual-Brand Strategy and Kansai’s Market
The Kansai region, with Osaka at its heart, is a magnet for tourists, both domestic and international. This market is characterized by a high demand for value-oriented travel, making it fertile ground for LCCs.
The numbers speak for themselves. In fiscal year 2023, LCCs accounted for a staggering 75% of all domestic passengers at Kansai International Airport. This reality has driven ANA’s decision to leverage Peach, which is based at KIX, to its full potential.
- ANA: Will focus on premium and business travelers, leveraging its full-service model on the critical Tokyo-Osaka corridor and connecting international passengers through Haneda.
- Peach Aviation: Will become the ANA Group’s primary operator at KIX, expanding its domestic and international routes to capture the price-sensitive leisure and inbound tourist demand.
By clearly delineating these roles, the ANA Group aims to compete more effectively in the dynamic Kansai market, preventing internal competition and optimizing its fleet and crew allocation.
What This Means for Travelers to and from Osaka
This strategic shift will bring about noticeable changes for anyone flying to or from Kansai.
Potential Benefits
For many travelers, particularly tourists and budget-conscious visitors, this move could be welcome news. An expanded Peach network is likely to result in:
- Increased Flight Frequencies: Peach is expected to increase the number of flights on the routes ANA is vacating, as well as potentially launching new destinations.
- Competitive Fares: As an LCC, Peach’s core appeal is its lower pricing, which could make travel to and from Osaka more affordable.
- A Streamlined LCC Hub: With Peach solidifying its position as the dominant carrier at KIX, the airport’s identity as a major LCC hub in Asia will be further strengthened.
Points to Consider
However, the change will not be without its drawbacks for some passengers.
- Reduced Full-Service Options: Travelers who prefer ANA’s full-service experience—including complimentary baggage, in-flight services, and access to premium lounges—will see their domestic options from KIX virtually disappear.
- Mileage and Loyalty Programs: Earning and redeeming ANA Mileage Club miles on domestic routes from Kansai (other than Haneda) will no longer be an option.
- Business Traveler Impact: While the Haneda route remains, business travelers who previously relied on ANA for connections to other key domestic cities from KIX will need to adjust their plans, likely turning to Peach or other carriers.
The Future of Air Travel in Kansai
This move by ANA is a clear signal of the future direction of aviation in the region. It reinforces the distinct roles of the three Kansai airports:
- Kansai International Airport (KIX): Cementing its role as the region’s international gateway and a mega-hub for LCCs.
- Itami Airport (ITM): Continuing to serve as the primary domestic hub, focusing on business travelers with its convenient access to central Osaka.
- Kobe Airport (UKB): Serving as a complementary domestic airport for the region.
With the 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo on the horizon, this strategy is likely a forward-looking move designed to capture the anticipated post-Expo surge in inbound tourism. As Peach expands its wings from Kansai, travelers can expect a more vibrant, competitive, and value-driven aviation market in western Japan. While the era of flying ANA across Japan from Kansai is drawing to a close, a new chapter led by Peach is just beginning.
