Australia's Qantas scraps Japan flight plans over fuel shortage

TOKYO/SAPPORO, Japan -- Australia's Qantas Airways has joined a number of carriers canceling plans for flights to and from regional Japanese airports, as an acute fuel shortage looms over the rebound in tourist traffic to Japan.

Qantas had planned to operate flights over the winter between Australia and New Chitose Airport, which serves the city of Sapporo on the northernmost main island of Hokkaido. But it has decided against the idea, citing a lack of available fuel and ground staff.