FAIRBANKS -- Japan Airlines will double its flights to Fairbanks this winter to 18, which could mean another 1,300 visitors seeking a view of northern lights outside the interior Alaska city.

The Fairbanks Daily News-Miner reported flights will originate from cities such as Osaka, Tokyo, Nagoya, Hiroshima and Fukuoka.

Fairbanks Convention and Visitors Bureau President Deb Hickok said a trip to view the aurora is a long-held desire for many Japanese people.

She said visitors bureau staff attended trade shows twice this summer in Japan to promote Fairbanks visits.