Amakusa Airlines
A small Japanese regional scheduled airline linking the Amakusa Islands with major transport centres in Kyushu and Osaka using a single turboprop aircraft.
About Amakusa Airlines
Amakusa Airlines was established on 12 October 1998 and began scheduled operations on 23 March 2000. It is a public-private regional carrier headquartered in Amakusa, Kumamoto Prefecture. Kumamoto Prefecture holds a majority interest, with municipalities in the Amakusa Islands and private investors owning the balance. The airline trades under the AMX identity and uses the IATA code MZ.
Amakusa Airport is the carrier's home base and the focal point of its limited domestic network. Scheduled flights connect Amakusa with Fukuoka and Kumamoto, while another service links Kumamoto with Osaka's Itami Airport. Passengers travelling between Amakusa and Osaka connect at Kumamoto because the airline does not operate that journey nonstop. Its routes principally support regional mobility and access to larger Japanese transport hubs.
The fleet consists of one ATR 42-600 twin-turboprop aircraft with 48 passenger seats. It operates with a single economy-class cabin rather than separate business and economy sections. The ATR is well suited to short regional sectors and relatively small passenger volumes, although its cabin and baggage compartments are more compact than those aboard mainline jets. Onboard service is straightforward, reflecting the brief duration of the airline's flights.
Amakusa Airlines is not a member of Star Alliance, SkyTeam or oneworld, and it does not maintain its own frequent-flyer programme. Its scheduled services are codeshared with Japan Airlines. Passengers may qualify for JAL Mileage Bank earning, redemption or selected benefits when travelling on an eligible fare booked under a Japan Airlines flight number, but conditions vary by ticket and booking channel.
The airline's main strength is the direct air access it provides for the Amakusa Islands, reducing the time required to reach Fukuoka and Kumamoto compared with surface travel. Its one-aircraft operation is also a significant constraint: weather or maintenance disruption may leave few immediate alternatives, and the limited schedule can complicate onward connections. Travellers should check operating updates and avoid relying on tight connecting itineraries.
Good to know
Flying with Amakusa Airlines — what to expect
Small Regional Network
The airline operates only a handful of domestic routes, so departures may be less frequent than on larger Japanese carriers. Confirm the timetable carefully before arranging onward travel.
Compact Turboprop Cabin
Flights use an ATR 42 with less cabin and baggage space than a typical mainline jet. Pack compactly and ask the airline in advance about large or unusual items.
Japan Airlines Codeshare
Services may be sold with Japan Airlines flight numbers. JAL Mileage Bank eligibility and related benefits depend on the flight number, fare and booking conditions.
Osaka Requires Connection
Amakusa–Osaka travel involves a connection at Kumamoto. The airline's Osaka sector operates between Kumamoto and Itami Airport.
Allow Disruption Time
A one-aircraft fleet provides limited recovery options after weather or maintenance problems. Avoid tight connections and review the latest operating status before travelling.
Network overview
Where Amakusa Airlines flies
Amakusa Airlines operates 4 routes to 3 destinations across 1 countries, its longest sector reaching Jakarta to Sampit (785 km nonstop).
Destinations served
Cities Amakusa Airlines flies to, most-served first.
Main hubs
Busiest departure bases, by route count.
Fleet
Aircraft types on record for these routes.
Longest nonstop route
Jakarta → Sampit
785 km · CGK → SMQ
The longest sector in the Amakusa Airlines network, measured as the great-circle distance between the two airports.
Route data · TravelPayouts route data · updated 2026-07
Route network
Popular routes operated by Amakusa Airlines
Notable destinations on Amakusa Airlines's network.
MZAmakusadirectMZFukuokadirectMZKumamotodirectMZOsakadirectDestination list is indicative of Amakusa Airlines's network; see the airline's official route map for its complete, current schedule.
More from Japan
Other airlines based in Japan
FAQ
Amakusa Airlines — frequently asked questions
Quick answers to the details travellers usually check first, from codes and locations to the practical basics that help with planning.
8 common questions
- Lower fares are generally more available when booked early and outside weekends, Japanese public holidays and peak travel periods. Compare fare conditions because cheaper tickets may have stricter change and cancellation rules.
- Cabin baggage is subject to the airline's size and weight limits. Storage aboard the ATR 42 is compact, so travellers should consult the current baggage rules and check larger items.
- The Kumamoto–Osaka Itami service is the longest route in Amakusa Airlines' scheduled network.
- Originfacts compares live fares from hundreds of airlines and travel agencies via its partner Travelpayouts and never adds a fee.
- Amakusa Airport in Kumamoto Prefecture is Amakusa Airlines' home base and primary operating centre.
- Amakusa Airlines serves four Japanese destinations in its scheduled network: Amakusa, Fukuoka, Kumamoto and Osaka Itami.
- Its principal departure airports are Amakusa, Fukuoka and Kumamoto, with Osaka Itami also served from Kumamoto. Amakusa Airport is the airline's home base.
- Amakusa Airlines links Amakusa with Fukuoka and Kumamoto and operates between Kumamoto and Osaka Itami. Travel from Amakusa to Osaka requires a connection at Kumamoto.