Thousands of passengers face flight cancellations as snow creeps towards Tokyo

TOKYO - Dozens of flights were cancelled as Japan’s Kanto plain, home to the capital and more than 44 million residents, is forecast for heavy snow on Feb 5 and dangerous road conditions. 

ANA Holdings halted 34 domestic inbound and outbound flights at Tokyo on Feb 5 as well as airports in Akita, Hiroshima and other big cities, disrupting plans for about 4,170 travellers, the carrier said.

Japan Airlines cancelled 54 domestic flights to and from Haneda Airport, impacting about 6,160 passengers. The air carrier cancelled one Tokyo to Seoul flight, affecting about 200 people.

There are also delays on other international routes.

Tokyo’s 23 wards are expected to see snow of up to 8cm by noon on Feb 6, Japan Meteorological Agency said, adding peak snowfall will be from Jan 5 evening through late night.

“We call on residents to be careful against low temperatures and accidents on Tuesday morning as they commute to work,” forecaster Kenichi Kinebuchi said during a press conference. “As heavy snow is forecast from Monday late afternoon, we urge people to go home early.”

Some of the metropolitan expressways are scheduled be shut down as a preventive measure, according to the transport ministry, which urged people to check routes for details before traveling.

Weather-related disruptions to transportation and businesses are common in Tokyo, even with the slightest hint of snow, given the city’s dense population. The metropolis only experiences snow for a few days each year. 

Some schools and businesses told people to head home early in the afternoon to avoid transportation network delays and possible injuries. BLOOMBERG