Delta Air Lines is set to move its Tokyo operations from Narita to Haneda. The airline has secured an additional five slots to fly to Haneda as part of the latest release by the DOT.

Some airlines, such as Hawaiian Airlines, are using the new slots awarded to operate additional services to Japan. Delta, however, has different plans. With the ability to fly to Haneda from seven origins, it seems counter-intuitive for the airline to utilize two airports in the same city. As such, from Spring 2020, the airline will completely abandon Narita.

Two airports for one city

Tokyo has two airports, Narita and Haneda. Haneda airport is closest to the city center, lying around 10 miles away. However, previously the airport was largely used for domestic operations. An international terminal was opened at the airport in 2010, with daytime international operations commencing in 2014.

Narita is slightly further out of the city, around 40 miles in fact. As such, it is not as preferable for travelers as the central location of Haneda. It is, however, bigger, and as such, ANA operates their Airbus A380 Flying Honu from the airport.

Seven cities to Haneda

Delta Air Lines now has the rights to operate flights to Haneda airport from seven different cities according to One Mile At A Time. The airline previously had slots to operate to Haneda from two cities; Los Angeles and Minneapolis.

In addition, the American carrier will begin serving Haneda from Honolulu, Seattle, Portland, Atlanta and Detroit. Recently the Departement of Transport gave out eleven new slots to fly to Haneda from the United States. Of them, Delta got five, which correspond to the five cities listed above. The new changes are expected to go live in the spring of 2020.

Not alone

Delta is not alone in being granted a slot to fly from Honolulu to Haneda. Yesterday, we reported that Hawaiian Airlines would be establishing an additional flight on the route between Honolulu and Tokyo. This will mean that the route is especially well served, as it will have many different carriers offering connections, including ANA's Flying Honu.

Hawaiian Airlines has also received a preliminary decision from the U.S. Department of Transportation regarding setting up a new service between Honolulu and Tokyo. The airline expects that the new flight will commence in early 2020, just in time for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

Only one airport

While some had expected the airline to operate Haneda flights in addition to Narita, it makes sense for the airline to move its flights with the new slots. Why should the airline have a presence at two airports less than 40 miles from each other? This would unnecessarily increase costs.

What do you think of Delta's move? Will you find it more convenient? Let us know in the comments!