Orlando International Airport will offer its first nonstop flights to Tokyo
Orlando International Airport (MCO) will offer its first-ever nonstop passenger charter service to Tokyo, Japan, marking a historic milestone that is expected to strengthen cultural ties and spur new economic activity between two of the world’s leading tourism destinations.
The announcement, made Tuesday at the Hotel New Otani in Tokyo, revealed a new partnership with ZIPAIR Tokyo to operate four charter flights between Orlando and Narita International Airport (NRT). This new route is not only the first nonstop passenger flight between Tokyo and Orlando, but also the first nonstop passenger service connecting Florida and the entire Asia Pacific region.
Tokyo had previously been Orlando’s largest unserved Asian market. Airport and tourism leaders hailed the development as the culmination of several years of collaborative effort.
“Our partnership with ZIPAIR is more than just a new route. It’s history,” said Lance Lyttle, Chief Executive Officer for the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA), which operates MCO. “This will be the first-ever nonstop passenger flight between Asia Pacific and the state of Florida. The partnership is a testament to the economic strength we share between our communities.”
ZIPAIR’s leadership shared the enthusiasm, especially for the connection to Central Florida’s world-famous attractions.
“We are extremely proud of this historic achievement, as this will be the first non-stop charter flight from Japan to Orlando, Florida,” said Shingo Nishida, Representative Director/President, ZIPAIR Tokyo. He added that the airline looks forward to welcoming Disney fans and guests on the charter flights, which will operate next spring.
The new service, operated by ZIPAIR Tokyo, will initially consist of four round-trip charter flights scheduled between February 23 and March 10, 2026. The flights will directly link Orlando International Airport (MCO) with Narita International Airport (NRT) in Tokyo. Flight logistics are being set for passenger convenience, with both legs of the journey—departing Narita and departing Orlando—slated for afternoon hours. ZIPAIR sales for the new service are currently scheduled to begin in early December 2025.
Though limited in number, tourism and travel leaders view the initial charter flights as a critical step that could lay the groundwork for additional, regularly scheduled service between Orlando and Tokyo. The announcement quickly drew strong support across the Central Florida region, which has collaborated for several years to bring passenger flights to and from Japan.
For the local economy, the service is seen as a major milestone. Casandra Matej, President & CEO of Visit Orlando, stressed its regional significance:
“This new direct air service from Tokyo is a landmark moment for Orlando, opening an entirely new gateway and making us the first destination in Florida with connectivity with Asia. It reflects years of collaboration… and supports Visit Orlando’s long-term vision to grow international visitation.”