Greater Bay Airlines to Launch Direct Hong Kong–Sapporo Flights Starting December 2025, Fueling Winter Travel and Strengthening Asia-Pacific Connectivity
HONG KONG/SAPPORO – July 2, 2025 – In a major move to expand its East Asia network, Greater Bay Airlines (GBA) has announced the launch of a new direct flight route between Hong Kong and Sapporo, Japan, beginning December 17, 2025. The service, offering six weekly flights from Hong Kong International Airport to New Chitose Airport in Hokkaido, marks a significant step in connecting travelers to one of Japan’s most iconic winter destinations.
This timely launch comes as demand for winter tourism surges, especially among Hong Kong residents eager to immerse themselves in Hokkaido’s snow-covered landscapes, soothing hot springs, and rich cultural offerings.
Hokkaido Beckons: A Strategic Route for Winter Explorers
Sapporo, the capital of Hokkaido, is widely celebrated for its world-class ski resorts, vibrant culinary culture, and annual winter festivals. Greater Bay Airlines’ new route strategically taps into this appeal, providing Hong Kong travelers with seamless access to Japan’s snowy wonderland during the peak travel season.
This addition reinforces GBA’s growing presence in the Japanese market, complementing its existing services to Tokyo and Osaka. According to Hong Kong Tourism Board data, Japan consistently ranks among the top three outbound destinations for Hong Kong travelers, especially during the winter months.
With GBA offering six weekly flights, passengers will enjoy increased flexibility and convenience, enabling more spontaneous weekend escapes or extended holiday itineraries.
New Chitose Airport: The Gateway to Snowy Adventures
New Chitose Airport (CTS) serves as the primary gateway to Hokkaido and is well-connected to Sapporo city and surrounding resort towns such as Niseko, Furano, and Otaru. From alpine ski runs to scenic hot spring getaways, the new route positions travelers within easy reach of Japan’s most beloved winter experiences.
GBA’s flight schedules are designed to maximize daylight hours for adventure seekers, with arrival times allowing travelers to hit the slopes or unwind in an onsen the same day.
Winter Wonders: From Festivals to Flavors
Sapporo offers far more than skiing. The city transforms into a snowy spectacle every February with the Sapporo Snow Festival, drawing millions to view colossal snow sculptures and dazzling ice art installations, primarily in Odori Park and Susukino.
Food lovers will also be at home in Sapporo. From steaming bowls of miso butter corn ramen to fresh seafood at Nijo Market, and Hokkaido’s famous Jingisukan (grilled lamb), the city offers culinary treasures that warm the soul. Visitors can also tour the Sapporo Beer Museum, a nod to the region’s brewing heritage and a must-visit during chilly evenings.
Boosting Bilateral Tourism: Hong Kong and Japan Strengthen Travel Ties
The launch of this route is expected to invigorate two-way tourism between Hong Kong and Japan, aligning with both governments’ goals to restore pre-pandemic travel flows and rebuild tourism economies.
According to Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), the country welcomed over 800,000 Hong Kong tourists in 2019. With direct flights and growing demand for experiential travel, these numbers are forecasted to rebound strongly in 2025–2026.
Conversely, the new route offers Japanese travelers easy access to Hong Kong’s rich cultural heritage, culinary diversity, and world-class shopping districts.
Greater Bay Airlines: Expanding Horizons with Value-Driven Travel
Founded with a mission to deliver affordable, safe, and efficient air travel, GBA has quickly become a key player in regional aviation. The airline operates a fleet of modern, fuel-efficient Boeing 737-800 aircraft, aligning with its sustainability goals and providing comfort-focused service to passengers.
GBA’s CEO, Stanley Hui, emphasized that “our expansion into Sapporo is a reflection of customer demand, regional opportunity, and our commitment to offer enriching travel experiences across Asia.”
The carrier’s focus on value-for-money travel paired with growing frequency and service quality continues to attract both leisure and business travelers across the Greater Bay Area and beyond.
Travel Planning Tips: Make the Most of Your Winter Escape
- Book early: Sapporo’s winter season is highly popular—early booking ensures better fares and hotel availability.
- Explore beyond Sapporo: Day trips to Otaru for canal-side snow views and glass workshops or Noboribetsu for hot springs are highly recommended.
- Festival timing: The Sapporo Snow Festival 2026 is scheduled for early February—plan accordingly for prime events and hotel deals.
Looking Ahead: GBA Eyes Broader Asia-Pacific Growth
Greater Bay Airlines’ Sapporo launch signals the carrier’s broader Asia-Pacific growth ambitions, with more destinations under review. The airline is reportedly considering new routes to Southeast Asia and South Korea, as part of its strategy to become a key connector in the post-pandemic travel landscape.
As international travel demand continues to rise, GBA is positioning itself as an agile, customer-focused airline with a growing network designed to meet evolving traveler preferences.
Conclusion
With its latest route connecting Hong Kong to Sapporo, Greater Bay Airlines invites travelers to experience the magic of Japan’s northern frontier—from snow-draped slopes and steaming onsens to unforgettable flavors and cultural delights.
Whether you’re seeking winter adventure, culinary exploration, or simply a scenic escape, GBA’s new service makes Sapporo more accessible than ever. The journey to Hokkaido’s heartland now begins with just a few easy clicks—and a direct flight from Hong Kong.
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