American Airlines has resumed its flights from John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to Haneda Airport (HND) in Tokyo.

Haneda is the closest airport to the central commercial area of Tokyo, and the flights will place travellers just 20 minutes away from key downtown business districts.

Nearly 70 million customers pass through Haneda Airport annually, making it Asia’s second busiest airport and the fifth busiest airport in the world.

It is also Japan’s main hub for domestic flights, providing the widest range of options for connections to and from cities throughout the country.

American and Japan Airlines (JAL), its Pacific joint business partner within the oneworld alliance, will now offer customers the choice of two daily flights between JFK and Tokyo – one JAL flight to and from Tokyo’s Narita Airport, and the resumed American Airlines flight to and from Haneda.

oneworld is considered the World’s Leading Airline Alliance by the World Travel Awards.

Japan Airlines will codeshare with American on the New York-Haneda flight.

Yuki Tanaka, executive director, New York Office of the Japan National Tourism Organisation, said: “Tourism from the United States to Japan is on the upswing, and American visitors will be delighted by the many new hotels and attractions Tokyo offers today.

“The resumption of American’s non-stop flight to Haneda from JFK should accelerate this positive trend, since the proximity of Haneda to downtown Tokyo will make it all the more inviting for Americans to visit this fascinating city and experience its many attractions, including the finest in culture, food, sports and entertainment.”