SAPPORO– An All Nippon Airways (NH) flight under ANA Wings was compelled to abort landing twice at Rishiri Airport (RIS) on July 1, 2025, before returning to New Chitose Airport (CTS) in Sapporo.
This particular flight, operated by a Boeing 737-800 (registration JA88AN), was initially en route from Sapporo (CTS) to Rishiri Island but encountered ongoing weather difficulties that hindered a safe arrival.
Flight NH4929 made two attempts to land at Rishiri Airport (RIS) before executing a go-around and ultimately diverting back to Sapporo (CTS). Tracking data indicated that the aircraft circled over nearby Rebun Island and Rishiri Fuji before abandoning its landing attempts.
As per ANA’s information, low visibility and adverse wind conditions played a significant role in the unsuccessful landings. Satellite data revealed considerable wind activity around both Rishiri and Wakkanai (WKJ), complicating potential alternative landings.
Even though Wakkanai Airport, located on Hokkaido’s northern coast, was closer, ANA opted not to divert there. The decision was influenced by operational limitations, such as minimal infrastructure, reduced ground handling capabilities, and limited overnight passenger support, leading to a return to CTS.
While ANA operates routes to both Rishiri and Wakkanai, Sapporo’s New Chitose Airport (CTS) provides enhanced passenger facilities, better crew amenities, and greater rebooking flexibility.
Returning to a major hub minimizes disruptions within the network and enables passengers to be accommodated on subsequent flights, including possible rebooking on Japan Airlines (JL) later the same day.
The Boeing 737-800 involved in the incident, tail number JA88AN, displayed stable altitude and speed patterns during the aborted landings, indicating no mechanical issues. The go-arounds were executed with precision, confirming that the decision was based exclusively on environmental safety considerations.
Flight tracking visuals captured the aircraft’s looping flight patterns around Rishiri Island, with a final U-turn back to Sapporo recorded around 05:00 UTC.
For illustrative purposes, here is an image representing the event:
Similar Incident
An Air New Zealand (NZ) flight from Brisbane (BNE) to Wellington (WLG) had to abort landing due to wind shear during its final approach on September 26, 2024.
The Airbus A321-200N executed a go-around after momentarily contacting the runway, subsequently diverting to Auckland (AKL) for precautionary inspections.
Flight NZ272, arriving from Brisbane Airport (BNE), faced sudden wind shear just before touchdown. Although the aircraft’s main landing gear briefly touched the runway, the crew promptly performed a go-around following standard procedures.
Captain Hugh Pearce, head of flight operations at Air New Zealand, noted that the crew reacted suitably and redirected the aircraft to Auckland Airport (AKL) for an evaluation following the incident.
Initial video footage raised concerns of a possible tail strike; however, a spokesperson later confirmed that thorough inspections revealed no tail contact.
MetService confirmed severe wind conditions in Wellington, with speeds exceeding 100 kph on the incident day, alongside earlier advisories of strong winds. Numerous flights in the region faced disruptions due to the unfavorable weather.
Stay updated with our latest news. Follow us on social media for continuous updates.
Join our Telegram Group for the Latest Aviation Updates. Furthermore, stay connected through our Google News.
Based on an article from aviationa2z.com: https://aviationa2z.com/index.php/2025/07/02/ana-737-pilots-failed-to-land-twice-at-rishiri-returns-to-sapporo/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ana-737-pilots-failed-to-land-twice-at-rishiri-returns-to-sapporo
