JapanAirline ceases operations. Ticket refund?
If an airline ceases operations in Japan, passengers are entitled to a full refund of unused ticket amounts under the Aviation Business Act. Refunds must be processed within 30 days of the cessation notice.
What the Law Says
Japanese law requires airlines to refund passengers when operations cease — no exceptions for bankruptcy or insolvency.
Under the Aviation Business Act, when an airline stops all flight operations, it must promptly refund the full amount paid for unused tickets. This applies to domestic and international flights departing from or arriving in Japan.
The airline must notify the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) immediately upon deciding to cease operations. Within 30 days of that notice, it must process all eligible refund requests.
Passengers do not need to prove financial loss or file claims through bankruptcy proceedings — the refund obligation is direct, statutory, and automatic.
Statutory TextWhen an aviation business operator ceases its business, it shall, without delay, refund the amount of the fare paid by a passenger for a flight not yet operated.
— Aviation Business Act, Article 97 — Refund Obligation upon Cessation of Business
What to Do
Confirm the airline has officially ceased operations (check MLIT announcements or official press releases).
Submit a refund request in writing to the airline’s designated refund office (or liquidator, if bankruptcy declared).
Include your ticket number, payment proof, and bank account details for transfer.
If no response within 30 days, contact MLIT’s Aviation Bureau for assistance.
Sources
Not legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: 2026-06-08.