Sapporo New Chitose Airport (CTS) is the main international airport serving the city of Sapporo, Japan. Located on the island of Hokkaido, it is the fifth busiest airport in Japan, handling more than 22 million passengers annually.

The airport first opened in 1931 as Chitose Air Base. At the time, it was a military airfield used by the Imperial Japanese Army Air Service. After World War II, the air base was decommissioned and returned to civilian control. In 1959, the government of Japan began to develop the airfield for commercial use, and the new airport was officially opened in 1961.

In 1978, the airport was renamed from Chitose Air Base to Sapporo New Chitose Airport. This name was chosen to reflect its role as the main gateway to Hokkaido, the northernmost island of Japan. The name “New Chitose” was chosen as a tribute to the nearby Chitose River, which flows through the city of Sapporo.

The airport’s IATA code, CTS, was assigned in 1984. The first letter, “C,” is derived from the airport’s location in Chitose; the “T” stands for “Tokyo”; and the “S” stands for “Sapporo.”

Today, Sapporo New Chitose Airport is a bustling hub for both international and domestic flights. It has more than 400 flights a day, operated by several major airlines including All Nippon Airways, Japan Airlines, and AirAsia Japan. The airport also provides services for charter flights, cargo flights, and general aviation.

Sapporo New Chitose Airport is equipped with a wide range of amenities and facilities. In addition to the usual airport services, such as baggage handling, currency exchange, and shopping, the airport also has a train station, restaurants, and car rental services.

This airport is an important gateway to the Hokkaido region and beyond. Its strategic location, modern facilities, and convenient services make it a popular choice for travelers from all over the world.