SAIPAN — United Airlines will suspend its flights between Tokyo Narita and Saipan from May 7 through July 10, 2026, citing operational complexities caused by Super Typhoon Sinlaku, according to JIC Update 022 released Saturday evening.
Daily Guam-Saipan service on United continues without change, arriving at 8:50 a.m. and departing at 9:55 a.m. MACS and Star Marianas Air are also continuing daytime commuter and cargo operations.
The suspension adds to mounting pressure on the CNMI’s aviation access. T’way Air, one of two South Korean carriers serving Saipan, is suspending its Seoul-Saipan route beginning May 5 through October 24. Jeju Air, the other Korean carrier, resumed service April 30 after a monthlong pause. The CNMI’s FY 2027 budget was built on the assumption of a 33 percent decline in visitor arrivals, a projection that now appears conservative given the simultaneous loss of both Japan and Korea service heading into summer.
