North Asia expansion: Korean Air bolsters routes to China and Japan

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Korean Air announced that it is expanding its China and Japan networks to meet the recovering travel demand in the North Asian region.

Following a four-year hiatus, the South Korean flag carrier will resume its routes from Seoul Incheon International Airport (ICN) to Mudanjiang Hailang International Airport (MDG) in China on October 22, 2024, and Gimhae International Airport (PUS) in Busan to Qingdao International Airport (TAO) on December 1, 2024.  

On August 12, 2024, the airline increased frequencies on several routes to China: ICN Airport to -Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport (CGO) route from four weekly flights to a daily service.

The carrier’s ICN to Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport (XMN) route will also see an increase in frequency from four weekly flights to a daily service from October 1, 2024.

Korean Air is also strengthening its presence in Taiwan, increasing its ICN Airport to Taichung International Airport (RMQ) from four times weekly to daily starting October 27, 2024. 

On the same day, the airline will also relaunch its Seoul Incheon-Nagasaki Airport (NGS) route for the winter season after a break of more than 11 years. This route will operate four times weekly, opening up new travel opportunities to the Japanese city.

Starting September 2, 2024, until October 26, 2024, the airline will temporarily increase its services to Osaka International Airport (ITM) from three to four times weekly. 

According to the airline, by December 2024, its services to China will reach 95% of its December 2019 capacity, and services to Japan will achieve 106% of the carrier’s pre-pandemic capacity.

“Korean Air will continue to offer schedules that align with evolving customer needs. The strategic network adjustments underscore the airline’s commitment to enhancing travel experience and reinforcing its position as a market leader in the region,” the airline said in a statement.

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