Dec 31, Kathmandu- Heavy snowfall in northern Japan on Tuesday forced dozens of flights to be cancelled as millions of families returned home to spend the New Year holidays with loved ones.

Japan Airlines said it had cancelled 42 flights by midday, affecting 6,398 passengers. All of them were to and from the northern island of Hokkaido.

Its main rival ANA also cancelled 14 flights, affecting 800 passengers, due to bad weather in the north, and warned its customers of possible delays and further cancellations.

Passengers lined up at Hokkaido’s main airport to secure alternative flights. Some prepared to welcome 2025 in the departure lounge.