CAPITOL HILL, Saipan — United Airlines has suspended flights on the Saipan-Narita route from May 7 through July 10.
The Francisco C. Ada International Airport Saipan is operating on generator power, with limited water available. Due to damage to navigational aids and the control tower, flights are limited to daytime operations, although parts have been ordered according to the Northern Mariana Islands Joint Information Center.
All six jetways sustained damage, however, Jetway 2 is now operational and Jetway 6 was being repaired as of May 3.
In a message to the Journal, United’s corporate communications said, “We are closely monitoring a challenging environment in Saipan and have adjusted our operations to ensure safety and regulatory compliance. We have also implemented a travel waiver to offer customers the flexibility to manage their travel plans. Customers should use the United app or visit united.com to check their flight status and view the latest information.”
The airline said Guam and Saipan resident humanitarian fares are available at united.com.
In other industry news, according to the International Air Transport Association, air cargo demand fell 4.8% in March compared to the previous year. This was mostly due to severe disruptions at major Gulf hubs due to war in the Middle East. The timing of the usual post–Lunar New Year slowdown also added to the decline, IATA said.
“The underlying demand trends, at this point, appear strong and the recent World Trade Organization and International Monetary Fund revisions to trade and GDP projections continue to see growth in 2026. “Importantly, air cargo networks are providing the flexibility needed to support global supply chains as they adjust to geopolitical, tariff, and operational strains. “All eyes are on fuel supply and price, which are expected to test the industry’s resilience in the coming months,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General. mbj
The Francisco C. Ada International Airport Saipan is operating on generator power, with limited water available. Due to damage to navigational aids and the control tower, flights are limited to daytime operations, although parts have been ordered according to the Northern Mariana Islands Joint Information Center.
All six jetways sustained damage, however, Jetway 2 is now operational and Jetway 6 was being repaired as of May 3.
In a message to the Journal, United’s corporate communications said, “We are closely monitoring a challenging environment in Saipan and have adjusted our operations to ensure safety and regulatory compliance. We have also implemented a travel waiver to offer customers the flexibility to manage their travel plans. Customers should use the United app or visit united.com to check their flight status and view the latest information.”
The airline said Guam and Saipan resident humanitarian fares are available at united.com.
In other industry news, according to the International Air Transport Association, air cargo demand fell 4.8% in March compared to the previous year. This was mostly due to severe disruptions at major Gulf hubs due to war in the Middle East. The timing of the usual post–Lunar New Year slowdown also added to the decline, IATA said.
“The underlying demand trends, at this point, appear strong and the recent World Trade Organization and International Monetary Fund revisions to trade and GDP projections continue to see growth in 2026. “Importantly, air cargo networks are providing the flexibility needed to support global supply chains as they adjust to geopolitical, tariff, and operational strains. “All eyes are on fuel supply and price, which are expected to test the industry’s resilience in the coming months,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General. mbj
