Over 2,000 stranded at Japan's Hokkaido airport amid record snowfall

Home

China

World

Politics

Business

Sci-Tech

Health

Opinions

Video

Live

Radio

World Asia-Pacific Middle East Europe Americas Africa

By continuing to browse our site you agree to our use of cookies, revised Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. You can change your cookie settings through your browser.

I agree

Over 2,000 people were forced to stay at New Chitose Airport from Monday night to Tuesday after record snowfall disrupted transport in Japan's northern prefecture of Hokkaido.

Bad weather leaves passengers stranded at the New Chitose Airport in Hokkaido, Japan, January 26, 2026. /VCG

Local media reported that more than 90 flights were canceled at the airport on Monday due to severe snow conditions. Airport authorities opened parts of the terminal overnight to accommodate stranded travelers.

People stuck at JR Sapporo Station due to train service suspensions caused by heavy snowfall in Hokkaido, Japan, January 25, 2026. /VCG

Rail services were also badly affected. Local railway operators said that more than 170 train services were suspended on Tuesday, adding that some routes toward Hakodate and Asahikawa were unlikely to resume normal operations in the near term.

People walk on a street in Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan, January 26, 2026. /VCG

Hokkaido has been hit by persistent heavy snowfall in recent days. Up to 65 cm of snow fell in Sapporo, the capital of Hokkaido, in the 48 hours through 10 p.m. Monday, the highest level recorded since statistics began in 1999, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency.

(Cover: A view of Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan, January 26, 2026. /VCG)

Source(s): Xinhua News Agency

Open in CGTN APP for better experience

Search Trends