JAL Mileage Bank - JAL to suspend NRT-KIX from July 2012

http://press.jal.co.jp/en/release/201204/002106.html

TOKYO April 26, 2012: Japan Airlines (JAL) has decided on a revision in a part of its flight frequency plans for the first half of fiscal year 2012, the year ending March 31, 2013. The airline will discontinue the once-daily round-trip flight between Tokyo, Narita and Osaka’s Kansai International Airport from July 2012.

Tokyo (Narita) = Osaka (Kansai) (JL3019, JL3010)
Decrease from 1 daily round-trip flight to 0.

Effective Dates:
July 1, 2012 (Dep. Narita)
July 2, 2012 (Dep. Kansai)

bugger. Just as I was looking at it as an option for Oct/Nov.
Looks like I'll be sticking with NRT-ITM.

bugger. Just as I was looking at it as an option for Oct/Nov.
Looks like I'll be sticking with NRT-ITM.

Jetstar Japan starting service in July and I suspect this is related to that since NRT-KIX is one of the launch routes.

Any guess which will be the next route to get cut? :p

Probably being the only human being alive who really loves KIX and considers it a sort of "home airport" in Japan, sad to see this connection go. :(

Probably being the only human being alive who really loves KIX and considers it a sort of "home airport" in Japan, sad to see this connection go. :(

Well it could be more convenient to fly to KIX depending on where you live in Kansai. I like KIX because of the relatively short taxi :p

The good news is JAL is considering expanding KIX service with 787. So you might get some new international direct flights and if you really want to fly to KIX, you have Jetstar Japan to service that route :D

If they're thinking about getting the 787 they better do some upgrades to their dismal lounges