Japan Airlines (JAL) is currently operating at 65% of its pre-pandemic international capacity, according to airline officials. COVID-19 curbs are limiting demand to just about 40% of pre-pandemic levels.
Commenting on the passenger recovery, Akihide Yoguchi, JAL's vice president of strategic research for the Asia Oceania region, said: “Demand for domestic has recovered faster than international, like many other markets. In the domestic market, JAL is operating at 100% of its pre-pandemic capacity, though demand is about 80% of corresponding levels.”
Prior to the pandemic, Japan did not need tourist visas for 68 countries, however post-pandemic the tourists need to obtain visas and travel agency bookings. Besides Japan has also put a daily cap on inbound travelers.
Travellers are awaiting news from Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. He may decide as early as this week on the easing of norms, allowing travellers to visit Japan without using a travel agency.
Sources claim that Japan's government is planning to waive tourist visa requirements from some countries as part of a further easing of border controls. With such initiatives in place, international travel and passenger demand is likely to rise again in Japan.