Number of passengers carried via domestic air transport in Japan 2012-2021
In 2021, the number of passengers carried via domestic air transportation in Japan decreased to a decade low of around 43.92 million, even less than half in the previous year, reflecting the sustained influence of the COVID-19 pandemic. The figures include all scheduled ‘trunk route’ and ‘local route’ flights by domestic air carriers approved by the government. Due to cabotage restrictions, these figures represent the overwhelming majority of Japan‘s domestic air traffic effectively.
Usually, international agreements cover international carriers and routes. However, national law protects domestic lines from foreign operators (cabotage) more often than not. Although Japan is no exception, there are a few cases that permit a foreign airline to service domestic routes. A codeshare agreement may allow several airlines to market seats for the same flight, which in the end will be administered by one of those carriers. Codeshare is a strategy of airline alliances to increase the passenger load.
The protection of ‘trunk routes’ and ‘local routes’
Apart from 'international routes' and 'domestic routes', Japan opposes ‘trunk routes’ and ‘local routes’ for domestic operations. ‘Trunk routes’ exclusively designate high traffic airline routes between New Chitose, Haneda, Narita, Osaka, Kansai, Fukuoka, and Naha.Usually, international agreements cover international carriers and routes. However, national law protects domestic lines from foreign operators (cabotage) more often than not. Although Japan is no exception, there are a few cases that permit a foreign airline to service domestic routes. A codeshare agreement may allow several airlines to market seats for the same flight, which in the end will be administered by one of those carriers. Codeshare is a strategy of airline alliances to increase the passenger load.
