As Japan continues its re-opening of the nation, Qantas is providing a major boost for travel to and from Australia with yesterday’s (01 Dec) launch of services from Brisbane to Tokyo’s Haneda Airport.

The flight is the first direct connection between Brisbane and Tokyo’s Haneda Airport by any airline, replacing Qantas’ former service to Narita Airport, and will save travellers more than an hour commuting into Tokyo city on arrival.

Inbound flights on the route are timed to connect well with the rest of Qantas’ Australian domestic network, including popular destinations across Queensland, reopening tourism opportunities for the Sunshine State.

Qantas Regional General Manager for Asia, John Simeone, said the flights will boost tourism and revive business opportunities between Australia and Japan.

“Pre-COVID, Japan was one of the most popular destinations for Australian travellers and we’re seeing the demand for Tokyo bounce back strongly,” he said.

“The new flight from Brisbane into Haneda Airport gives our customers much easier and faster access to downtown Tokyo and one of the world’s most important business markets, saving more than an hour of transit time in getting to the city.

“Qantas has a long history of serving the Japanese market and in fact later this month we’ll be celebrating 75 years of flying between Australia and Japan.

“We’re pleased to build on this legacy by connecting Japanese travellers to the Sunshine State once again,” Simeone said.