Over 2000 Stranded at Hokkaido Airport Amid Record Snowfall

Over 2,000 people were stranded at New Chitose Airport in Hokkaido from Monday night to Tuesday due to record-breaking snowfall that disrupted transportation services across Japan's northern prefecture.

Local media reports indicate that over 90 flights were canceled on Monday alone as severe snow conditions made travel dangerous. In response, airport authorities opened sections of the terminal overnight to provide shelter for affected travelers.

Rail services were also significantly disrupted, with local railway operators announcing that more than 170 train services were suspended on Tuesday. The situation remains uncertain, as some routes to popular destinations like Hakodate and Asahikawa are not expected to resume normal operations in the immediate future.

Hokkaido has been experiencing relentless heavy snowfall for days, with the Japan Meteorological Agency reporting that up to 65 cm of snow fell in Sapporo, the region's capital, in just 48 hours, marking the highest level of snowfall recorded since officials began collecting data in 1999.

Travelers stuck at the airport described chaotic scenes, as facilities struggled to accommodate the influx of stranded passengers. Reports highlighted overcrowding and lengthy queues for taxis, with some travelers waiting for hours only to find temporary refuge on mats or sleeping bags provided by airport staff.

The ongoing weather turmoil in Hokkaido underscores the impact of severe winter conditions on travel and infrastructure, raising concerns about the preparedness of services to handle such extreme meteorological events.

As the region grapples with these challenges, local residents and travelers alike remain hopeful for a swift return to normalcy as snow clearance efforts continue in the face of ongoing harsh weather.