History
Wakkanai Airport opened to passenger traffic in 1960, initially on an irregular basis. Air Nippon began scheduled service to Okadama Airport and Rishiri Airport in 1974, followed by Rebun Airport in 1978 and New Chitose Airport in 1980. Air Nippon discontinued the short Rebun and Rishiri commuter flights in 2003 due to poor load factors.
In 1987, the 1,200 m main runway was extended to 1,800 m, allowing All Nippon Airways to begin jet service to Tokyo. The flight was initially seasonal and did not become a year-round service until 1997. The city of Wakkanai provided subsidies for city residents to use the flight until 2005, when discounted fares became available.
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