A win for Saipan and other tourism news

A new schedule for the three weekly United Airlines flights between Tokyo-Narita and the Northern Mariana Islands will begin May 7.

Flights will depart Tokyo-Narita International Airport on Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday at 5:30 p.m. and arrive at Saipan International Airport at 9:55 p.m., departing Saipan on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 11:50 a.m. and arrive in Tokyo at 2:25 p.m.

The Marianas Visitors Authority had formally requested the airline to revise the schedule to help increase visitor arrivals from Japan to the NMI, according to a March 25 release from MVA.

An early evening departure time from Tokyo-Narita is more convenient for most Japanese travelers and especially the family market, which comprises most Japanese visitors to the NMI. In addition, the late morning departure time from Saipan will reduce the number of required hotel nights, reducing travel expenses. This new schedule will also benefit passengers transiting through Tokyo, MVA said in the release.

The NMI received 838 visitors from Japan in February, compared to 605 visitors in February 2023. The number was still 42% lower in January compared to pre-pandemic in 2019.

Direct flights from Hong Kong by Hong Kong Airlines will begin on April 29.