Japan's largest airline, All Nippon Airways (ANA), is reportedly considering a significant scaling back of operations from Shizuoka Airport. No official announcement has been made, but insiders speculate the move may be tied to economic pressures and reduced passenger traffic in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. If this pullback occurs, it could have considerable effects on both the regional economy and the aviation industry.

In Japan, airlines play a crucial role in connecting the nation's numerous islands and remote regions. A retreat from ANA, one of the country's largest airlines, could significantly impact local economies and accessibility, prompting public concern and debates about the sustainability of regional airports.

Similarly in the U.S and EU, airlines have also been making tough decisions in response to decreased demand due to the pandemic. Airlines withdrawing from less profitable airports or reducing the frequency of services is not uncommon and often leads to increased conversations about government subsidies and rural-urban disparities.