Who'll be flying to the new Haneda terminal?

(Courtesy of Tokyo International Air Terminal Corp.)

Tokyo's shiny new international terminal at Haneda Airport opens October 31, providing a far more convenient access to the Japanese capital - but who'll be flying there?

As a result of restrictions designed to prevent carriers defecting en masse from Narita Airport, heavy slot restrictions have been imposed by Japanese authorities, but the airport still offers a good selection of flights.

The main beneficiaries are likely to be Japan's main carriers, ANA and Japan Airlines, who will launch nine and 10 new routes respectively to destinations around the world (many with codeshare partners).

A multitude of Asian airlines will be the first into Haneda, sometimes as a result of agreements with the two Japanese carriers (or existing charter flights) - Air Asia X, Air China (Beijing), Asiana, Cathay Pacific, China Airlines, China Eastern, EVA Airways (Taipei), Korean Air, Malaysian Airlines, Thai, Shanghai and Singapore Airlines will all operate routes from the terminal.

US airlines Delta, American and Hawaiian have been awarded the four operating slots at Haneda International, while Canadian flag-carrier Air Canada will also inaugurate a new route to Vancouver from next January.

As the timing for slots isn't well suited for trips to Europe, only two airports in Europe are currently likely to offer new routes to Haneda.

British Airways will depart Heathrow five times a week at 8:00 AM landing at Haneda 12 hours later at 5:00 AM local time the next day, while Japan Airline's codeshare with Air France will depart Paris at 11 AM and land at Haneda 06:55 AM local time the next day.

As always, routes are subject to alteration, so it's best to check carriers' websites or the Haneda website at http://www.tokyo-airport-bldg.co.jp/en/