ZIPAIR, a low-cost subsidiary of Japan Airlines, appears to be ending its San Jose flights. The airline introduced the route from Tokyo Narita in December 2022, but no services are scheduled or bookable after October 24, 2024. Since 1990, seven airlines have attempted long-haul flights from San Jose.
San Jose, located near San Francisco, has faced significant challenges with its long-haul network. In the latest schedule update over the weekend, ZIPAIR signaled that it is pulling out. The airport serves Silicon Valley and more; economic challenges and the slow rebound in business travel have partly caused its woes. This is compounded by a much bigger, busier, and more well-known airport not far away. Airlines can consolidate to cut costs, reduce complexity, and improve performance.
ZIPAIR uses 290-seat Boeing 787-8s and currently serves San Jose six times weekly. Until last week, the plan was to run through the winter with five weekly services. However, the airline's latest schedule filing shows that the last flight will be on October 24. As of July 8 and subject to change, no flight is scheduled or bookable in 2025.