Following Efforts from Minnesota Delegation, Department of Transportation To Grant Nonstop Service Between Tokyo's Haneda Airport and Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport

Press Release

Following efforts from the Minnesota congressional delegation, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) today announced it will grant nonstop service between Tokyo's Haneda Airport and Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP). In May, the Minnesota lawmakers sent a bipartisan letter to Secretary Foxx highlighting the importance of access to the growing Asian markets for Minnesota businesses and travelers, including the 17 Fortune 500 companies headquartered in Minnesota, and urged DOT to consider Delta Air Lines' application for service between Tokyo's Haneda Airport and MSP.

"As chair of the Senate Travel and Tourism Caucus, I know how important travel and tourism are to the economy of Minnesota," said Senator Amy Klobuchar. "Access to the growing Asian markets are particularly important to Minnesota businesses, and why I led efforts with my Minnesota colleagues to ensure that our state continues to have direct access to Asia. Today's announcement that MSP and Tokyo's more convenient Haneda Airport will be connected by nonstop flights is great news for Minnesota's economy and those traveling to and from our state."

"Businesses in Minnesota rely on MSP to bring jobs to our state and strengthen our local economy," said Senator Al Franken. "And families rely on MSP to visit unique places all around the world. We fought hard to open Haneda Airport to nonstop service between Tokyo and Minnesota because it will help promote economic growth and expand tourism opportunities. This is a good day for our state."

"This announcement creates a direct link between Minnesota and Tokyo," said Representative Collin Peterson. "This new service will better connect Minnesota businesses with those in Tokyo and provide new opportunities for growth in Minnesota."

"I am very pleased that Secretary Foxx has agreed with the Minnesota delegation and granted nonstop service between MSP and Tokyo's Haneda Airport," said Representative Betty McCollum. "This essential airline service will help forge even stronger connections between Minnesota and Japan, particularly Minnesota businesses that are working to succeed in Asian markets. Overall, this is great news for our Twin Cities region."

"I am pleased the Department of Transportation has announced it will grant Delta Air Lines' application for nonstop flights between MSP and Tokyo's Haneda Airport," said Representative Tim Walz. "Increasing access to developing markets is critical for the continued growth of Minnesota's businesses. This is certainly a win for our state's economy and those traveling between the two locations."

"This is tremendous news for MSP and our Minnesota businesses," said Representative Rick Nolan. "During my discussion with Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx regarding this matter, I emphasized the importance of this decision. Nonstop service between Haneda Airport and MSP will allow Minnesota business travelers to efficiently conduct business across the globe."

"Minnesota businesses are some of the most enterprising and innovative in the world, and the new direct service to Tokyo's Haneda Airport will present more opportunities for them to thrive," said Representative Erik Paulsen. "I'm very proud to see this bipartisan effort yield such a positive result for Minnesota businesses and jobs."

"Trade and travel are critical to Minnesota's economy and securing daytime slots from MSP to Haneda ensures that Minnesota businesses will remain at the forefront of the global economy," said Representative Tom Emmer. "I'm proud to have worked so closely with the entire delegation advocating for our Minnesota companies and workers."