The southern Spanish region of Andalucia is currently negotiating direct flights between its major airports and Japan, it has emerged.
The Junta is in talks with All Nippon Airways (ANA) to have the routes operating by 2028, with at least two airports being considered as candidates.
The Regional Minister of Tourism and Andalusian Foreign Affairs, Arturo Bernal, met with ANA’s Global Vice President of Operations in Tokyo this week.
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Bernal told press the meeting was a success and would serve as the starting point for the direct routes.
He said: ‘All Nippon Airways is the leading airline in terms of aircraft and cargo capacity in Japan.
‘It is, therefore, closely aligned with our vision of adding new airports and direct flights with airlines operating from the Americas and Asia-Pacific.’
Both Sevilla and Malaga are being considered as candidates for the direct routes.
At the meeting, the minister explained to the airline that more than 156,000 Japanese tourists visited Andalucia in 2024, representing a growth of almost 30% compared to 2023.
‘We are talking about a very interesting market for Andalucia since these visitors have a high spending capacity and they help us in our strategy of managing seasonality.
‘On the other hand, they are tourists who are very interested in our culture, our heritage and our way of life.’
