AirJapan, the medium-haul subsidiary of ANA Holdings, has announced that it will cease all flight operations by the end of March 2026, marking the end of the brand’s brief two-year run. The airline confirmed today that the final day of operations will be Saturday, 28 March 2026, with two final return flights: NQ2 from Bangkok (BKK) to Narita (NRT) and NQ4 from Singapore (SIN) to Narita (NRT), scheduled for early 29 March 2026, subject to government approval.
Launched in 2024, AirJapan was established to serve as ANA’s bridge between full-service and low-cost offerings, targeting medium-haul routes across Asia with a focus on comfort, affordability, and Japanese hospitality. The carrier operated under flight code “NQ” and was intended to compete with other hybrid airlines in the region, such as ZIPAIR Tokyo and Scoot.
In its official statement, AirJapan expressed gratitude to its passengers. The airline also clarified that no special procedures are required for customers with existing reservations, and all booked flights will operate as scheduled until the suspension date. New bookings will still be accepted through the official AirJapan website for flights prior to the March 2026 deadline.
From the next fiscal year onward, ANA Holdings will consolidate all international medium-haul operations under the main ANA brand, signaling a strategic realignment within the group. While AirJapan shared operational resources and staff with ANA, it was marketed as a distinct brand with its own cabin design, service concept, and fare structure.
Industry observers see the move as part of ANA’s broader post-pandemic restructuring, as the group seeks to streamline operations and strengthen profitability across its international network. With rising fuel costs, shifting travel demand, and competitive pressures in the Asia-Pacific region, consolidating brand identities may help ANA focus resources on its premium full-service model while maintaining operational efficiency.
Despite its short lifespan, AirJapan’s introduction represented an important experiment for ANA Holdings in testing new business models amid evolving passenger preferences. Its aircraft — typically Boeing 787 Dreamliners — offered a simplified service with the same reliability and safety standards as ANA, catering primarily to leisure travelers flying between Japan and destinations like Bangkok and Singapore.
With AirJapan’s departure, ANA will continue to serve these routes under its flagship brand, ensuring continuity for passengers and maintaining Japan’s connectivity with key Southeast Asian markets. As the airline industry continues to evolve, ANA’s decision to retire AirJapan underscores a renewed focus on brand strength, network integration, and long-term sustainability.
