United Airlines announced plans to introduce a year-round, nonstop service between Tokyo/Narita and Koror, Palau, starting in May 2025. This route will mark the only direct flight offered by a U.S carrier between Japan and Palau, adding United’s existing connections to Guam and Manila.
President Surangel Whipps Jr, speaking at a press conference last week, highlighted the effort his administration has made over the past three years to re-establish direct international flights to Palau.
“We are pleased to welcome United Airlines on this new route, which will restore a crucial link between Japan and Palau,” Whipps said in a statement issued by the Office of the President.
Ngirai Tmetuchl, Minister of Human Resources, Culture, and Tourism, emphasised the importance of this development for Palau’s tourism industry. “The long-awaited dream of a regular direct flight from Japan is finally a reality, thanks to President Whipps’ persistence. This new United route will reconnect us with our key Japanese market and offer greater global reach through United’s network, making travel more efficient,” Tmetuchl said.
Palau’s tourism industry has faced challenges in recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic, with the return of key Asian markets, such as Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan, slower than anticipated. These markets accounted for 51 percent of Palau’s total visitors in 2019, with the broader Asian market—including China—making up over 80 percent of the country’s tourism base.
Currently, United Airlines’ flights from Guam to Palau serve as the primary entry point for Japanese visitors. The upcoming direct flights from Japan are expected to significantly boost the number of tourists from Japan and other Asian countries, which currently lack direct connections to Palau. In addition to United Airlines’ new service, Japan Airlines has also announced it will offer charter flights from Narita to Palau starting in March 2025, further increasing travel options between the two nations.