SAPPORO– An All Nippon Airways (NH) flight operating under ANA Wings was forced to abort landing twice at Rishiri Airport (RIS) on July 1, 2025, before returning to New Chitose Airport (CTS) in Sapporo.
The flight, operated by a Boeing 737-800 (registration JA88AN), was originally en route from Sapporo (CTS) to Rishiri Island but encountered persistent weather challenges that prevented a safe landing.
Photo: FlightRadar24ANA Pilots Failed to Land at Rishiri
Flight NH4929 attempted two approaches into Rishiri Airport (RIS) before executing a go-around and eventually diverting back to Sapporo (CTS). Data from Flightradar24 shows the aircraft circled over nearby Rebun Island and Rishiri Fuji before abandoning the landing.
According to ANA’s public information, poor visibility and adverse wind conditions contributed to the failed landings. Satellite data also suggested significant wind activity around Rishiri and Wakkanai (WKJ), making alternative landings difficult.
Although Wakkanai Airport, located on Hokkaido’s northern coast, was geographically closer, ANA chose not to divert there. Operational limitations, including minimal infrastructure, fewer ground handling capabilities, and limited overnight passenger support, influenced the decision to return to CTS.
Photo: By Masahiro TAKAGI from Ichikawa, Chiba, Japan – DSC08935, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=56192983While ANA operates services to both Rishiri and Wakkanai, Sapporo’s New Chitose Airport (CTS) offers superior passenger facilities, crew accommodations, and rebooking flexibility.
Returning to a major hub also minimizes network disruption and allows passengers to be accommodated on subsequent services, including possible rebooking on Japan Airlines (JL) later that day.
The aircraft involved, a Boeing 737-800 with tail number JA88AN, showed stable altitude and speed profiles throughout the aborted approaches, indicating no mechanical concerns. The go-arounds were conducted with precision, reinforcing that the decision was purely based on environmental safety concerns.
Flight tracking visuals captured the looping approach patterns around Rishiri Island, with a final U-turn back to Sapporo occurring around 05:00 UTC.
Photo: avgeekwithlens/ Harsh TekriwalSimilar Incident
An Air New Zealand (NZ) flight from Brisbane (BNE) to Wellington (WLG) aborted landing due to wind shear during final approach on September 26, 2024.
The Airbus A321-200N performed a go-around after briefly contacting the runway, before diverting to Auckland (AKL) for precautionary inspections.
Flight NZ272, operated by Air New Zealand (NZ), was arriving from Brisbane Airport (BNE) to Wellington Airport (WLG) when sudden wind shear was encountered moments before touchdown.
Although the aircraft’s main landing gear momentarily touched the runway, the flight crew quickly executed a go-around following standard procedures.
According to Captain Hugh Pearce, head of flight operations at Air New Zealand, the crew responded appropriately and diverted the aircraft to Auckland Airport (AKL) for post-incident evaluations.
While video footage initially suggested a tail strike may have occurred, a spokesperson later confirmed that a detailed inspection found no tail contact.
Severe wind conditions in Wellington on the day of the incident—exceeding 100 kph—were confirmed by MetService, which had issued a strong wind advisory earlier in the afternoon. Multiple flights were disrupted across the region due to the adverse weather.
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