Not every flight from London to Tokyo takes the same path right now.
5 routes assessed for this corridor. Via Hong Kong scores highest.
Via Hong Kong — lower exposure than Gulf-connected options, with a longer routing than direct alternatives and strong hub reliability.
Best structural option for LHR→NRT. Cathay routes LHR–HKG via South Asia, bypassing the Central Asian corridor entirely. HKG–NRT is a clean northeast Asian segment.
Route adds significant distance vs the most direct path
The HKG–NRT segment transits Chinese airspace. Monitor any PRC airspace developments. Note: Cathay Pacific is a Hong Kong carrier — any PRC policy changes to HKG operations would affect this option.
Strong alternative to Via Istanbul. ICN hub scores 0/3 (world-class) and the ICN→NRT second leg is only 2.5 hours over clean Pacific airspace — much shorter than IST→NRT. First leg uses the Central Asian corridor.
Viable LHR→NRT option, but the IST–NRT leg fully traverses the Central Asian corridor — the longest exposure to that congestion bottleneck of any option on this pair.
Active disruptions
FlightDetour evaluates route options using advisory airspace exposure, corridor sensitivity, detour impact, and hub routing logic — based on publicly available EASA and national authority advisories.
Coverage focuses on major long-haul corridors. Some routing patterns — including certain China-side connections via mainland Chinese hubs — are not yet included. If you expect an option here and don't see it, that's a coverage gap, not an assessment.
Scores compare corridor quality; they do not predict airline operations or safety outcomes. Verify with your airline and government travel advisories before booking.
Full methodology →Advisory data only · Verify before booking