Cathay Pacific announced at 21:56 HKT on 19 January that passengers booked on Hong Kong–Sapporo services for travel on 20 January may rebook or reroute once without paying the usual HK$1,200 administration charge. The decision follows heavy snowfall that paralysed New Chitose Airport, forcing runway closures and widespread delays across Hokkaido.(cathaypacific.com)
Under the waiver, travellers holding tickets issued on or before 19 January have until 21 January to change their itinerary, with replacement travel to be completed by 12 February 2026. Fare and tax differences still apply, and passengers who purchased through agents must process changes via the same channel. Redemption tickets qualify for identical flexibility.(cathaypacific.com)
![Cathay Pacific waives change fees for Sapporo flights after Hokkaido blizzard]()
If rearranging flights has you worried about last-minute visa or ETA requirements, VisaHQ can take that stress off your plate. The Hong Kong branch (https://www.visahq.com/hong-kong/) processes Japanese eVisas, transit authorisations and dozens of other travel documents online, letting travellers upload forms, track approvals and organise courier collection in a few clicks—ideal when sudden snowstorms force an unexpected reroute through Tokyo or Seoul.
Corporate mobility managers welcomed the move, noting that January is peak season for incentive ski groups and factory inspections in northern Japan. The relaxed policy reduces out-of-pocket costs and administrative work when re-routeing staff through Tokyo or postponing visits. It also shields companies from potential “no-show” penalties imposed by Japanese hotels during weather disruptions.(cathaypacific.com)
Travellers should still monitor flight status closely; Cathay warns that further cancellations are possible if snow accumulations persist. The airline recommends completing Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) forms for transit through Osaka or Narita and checking rail connections, as JR Hokkaido has suspended several limited-express services.(cathaypacific.com)
Under the waiver, travellers holding tickets issued on or before 19 January have until 21 January to change their itinerary, with replacement travel to be completed by 12 February 2026. Fare and tax differences still apply, and passengers who purchased through agents must process changes via the same channel. Redemption tickets qualify for identical flexibility.(cathaypacific.com)
If rearranging flights has you worried about last-minute visa or ETA requirements, VisaHQ can take that stress off your plate. The Hong Kong branch (https://www.visahq.com/hong-kong/) processes Japanese eVisas, transit authorisations and dozens of other travel documents online, letting travellers upload forms, track approvals and organise courier collection in a few clicks—ideal when sudden snowstorms force an unexpected reroute through Tokyo or Seoul.
Corporate mobility managers welcomed the move, noting that January is peak season for incentive ski groups and factory inspections in northern Japan. The relaxed policy reduces out-of-pocket costs and administrative work when re-routeing staff through Tokyo or postponing visits. It also shields companies from potential “no-show” penalties imposed by Japanese hotels during weather disruptions.(cathaypacific.com)
Travellers should still monitor flight status closely; Cathay warns that further cancellations are possible if snow accumulations persist. The airline recommends completing Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) forms for transit through Osaka or Narita and checking rail connections, as JR Hokkaido has suspended several limited-express services.(cathaypacific.com)
