February 22

Heavy snow in the northernmost Japanese prefecture of Hokkaido has forced the cancellation of 202 inbound and outbound flights.

As of noon on Tuesday, Japan Airlines canceled 64 flights. All Nippon Airways canceled 61, including flights between New Chitose Airport near Sapporo and Tokyo's Haneda Airport. ANA flights linking Hokkaido and Osaka were also among those canceled.

New Chitose Airport has closed both of its runways.

Its operator, Hokkaido Airports, plans to resume services on Wednesday morning, but weather conditions could cause further delays. The company is urging passengers to check the websites of the airlines for updated information.

NHK