Hokkaido Airports will host the 2026 edition of the CAPA Airline Leader Summit Asia, a premier two-day aviation event bringing together senior industry leaders to explore the future of air transport across the Asia-Pacific region.
The summit will convene airline executives, airport leaders, policymakers, and industry stakeholders for in-depth discussions on aviation sustainability, evolving market dynamics in Asia, and opportunities across emerging aviation environments.
Located in the northernmost part of Japan, Hokkaido is the country’s second-largest island and a rapidly growing tourism destination. Renowned for its rich cultural heritage, natural landscapes, and year-round outdoor attractions, the region continues to attract visitors from around the world. Its strong seasonal appeal positions Hokkaido as one of Japan’s most dynamic travel markets.
Hokkaido Airports has experienced continued growth, expecting to handle over 32.5 million passengers in FY2025/26, representing a 6% year-on-year increase. The region’s primary gateway, New Chitose Airport, serving the Sapporo metropolitan and greater Hokkaido area, handled a record 25.8 million passengers in 2025, reinforcing its driving force behind Hokkaido’s tourism industry. This growth has been supported by increased airline capacity, expanding route networks, and the resumption of services.
New Chitose Airport’s international network is continuing to expand. Air Canada plans to launch seasonal flights between Vancouver and New Chitose from December 2026, marking the airport’s first direct service to North America. Furthermore, United Airlines is scheduled to operate seasonal flights between San Francisco and New Chitose around the same time, significantly strengthening the airport’s North American route network. Qantas is resuming flights from Sydney for the first time in six years and plans to increase the frequency to five flights a week by winter 2026.
Across the broader Hokkaido network, regional airports are also expanding their international reach. New and enhanced services include routes from Obihiro and Hakodate to Seoul Incheon, alongside increased capacity on routes to Taipei.
Bringing together C-suite executives from airlines, airports, and government organisations, the CAPA Airline Leader Summit Asia 2026 will deliver high-level discussions, data-driven insights, and executive networking opportunities. The agenda is designed to address critical challenges and opportunities shaping the future of aviation in Asia-Pacific.
Confirmed speakers include:
• Mitsuko Tottori, CEO, Japan Airlines
• Jeanette Mao, CEO, HK Express
• Bernard Hsu, CCO, Tigerair Taiwan
• Gonçalo Pires, CFO, Air Astana
• Hasan Alsharaf, CFO, Gulf Air
Claudia Kunz, Senior Director of Events at CAPA, said: “We are delighted to partner with Hokkaido Airports to host the CAPA Airline Leader Summit Asia 2026. Hokkaido’s strategic importance and vibrant culture make it an ideal location to gather aviation leaders from across the region. This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to driving innovation and fostering meaningful dialogue within the industry. I am excited about the opportunities this summit will create to shape the future of aviation together.”
“We warmly welcome the holding of this international forum in Hokkaido, which will explore the future of the aviation network. Amidst the changes and challenges facing the world, the aviation industry is called upon to take the lead in achieving sustainable and resilient growth. We hope that this conference will serve as a catalyst for new cooperation and innovation aimed at the development of the aviation industry in Asia and around the world. Hokkaido Airport extends a warm welcome to all those gathering here from across the globe.” – Kenjiro Karahashi, Managing Director, Hokkaido Airports
The CAPA Airline Leader Summit Asia 2026 will take place on 1-2 October in New Chitose Airport Portom Hall, Hokkaido, Japan.
