SAIPAN — The Marianas Visitors Authority reported 15,495 visitor arrivals in February 2026, a 2% decrease from 15,802 arrivals in February 2025, as the destination continues to grapple with a severe long-term loss of air seat capacity.
The MVA said air seats to the Marianas have dropped from approximately 760,000 in fiscal year 2018 to 250,000 in fiscal year 2025, a 67% overall decline. That includes a 60% loss of seats from South Korea, the destination’s top source market, driven by airline strategic decisions, currency disadvantages and fierce competition from other destinations. Flights from mainland China, once a major source market, remain absent under ongoing geopolitical constraints.
South Korea remained the top market in February with 10,285 arrivals, an 8% decline from the same month last year. The Marianas received 72 flights from Korea in February compared to 84 in February 2025. Jeju Air and T’way Air both operated daily service from Seoul Incheon during the month, and two weekly seasonal charters from Seoul Incheon and Busan were added due to high demand. The MVA also introduced its new global branding campaign, “The Marianas, Far From Ordinary,” to approximately 50 key industry partners and journalists at a special event in Korea on Feb. 10 and 11. Jeju Air has suspended its daily flight from March 29 through April 30, and T’way Air will suspend daily service beginning May 5 through the summer season, citing increased fuel costs.
Japan arrivals reached 1,025 in February, up slightly from 1,015 in the same month last year. The MVA continued to work with travel agencies JTB and HIS to promote package tours supported by United Airlines’ three weekly direct flights from Tokyo Narita to Saipan.
China posted the strongest growth of any market, with 2,235 arrivals in February compared to 1,684 a year ago, a 33% increase. The MVA attributed the gain to Lunar New Year holiday travel falling in February this year versus January last year. Hong Kong Airlines is anticipated to double its flight service in May 2026 under the continued operation of the CNMI Economic Vitality and Security Travel Authorization Program, which allows prescreened Chinese nationals to visit without a standard U.S. visa. Before the pandemic, China accounted for about 44% of Marianas visitors.
Other arrivals in February included 900 from the United States, 744 from Guam and 306 from other markets combined.
Philippine Airlines commenced twice-weekly direct Manila-Saipan service March 29, which the MVA said is expected to increase arrivals from the Philippines and connecting cities, including mainland China.
