The geographical distance to Japan from many parts of the world also plays a pivotal role in the high cost of flights. Japan is often quite far from major travel hubs in Europe, North America, and even some parts of Asia. The longer the flight distance, the more it costs airlines for fuel, crew, and maintenance.

In 2026, flights from Europe to Japan remain expensive due to a combination of geopolitical and economic factors. The most significant driver is the closure of Russian airspace, which began in 2022 and remains in effect. This forces European carriers to take longer "polar" or "southern" routes, adding 2 to 4 hours of flight time. This extra time translates directly into significantly higher fuel consumption and increased crew costs. Additionally, there is a scarcity of slots at key airports like Haneda, which limits the number of daily flights airlines can offer, keeping supply lower than the surging post-pandemic demand. High inflation, rising labor costs for ground staff and pilots, and the "premiumization" of long-haul routes—where airlines prioritize high-paying business and premium economy seats—also contribute to the high price floor. While some budget options exist via Middle Eastern hubs (like Qatar or Emirates), direct flights between major European capitals and Tokyo remain a luxury-priced service.