Key facts
- South Korea's transport ministry allocated 25 international flight routes to 10 airlines.
- The allocation grants more flight rights to low-cost carriers (LCCs) for routes to China.
- Flight entitlements for Incheon-Beijing increased to 52 per week, and Incheon-Shanghai to 63 per week.
- Entitlements for Guangzhou and Dalian increased to 28 flights per week each.
- The move follows a bilateral agreement to expand flight rights between South Korea and China after seven years.
SEOUL, Sept. 16 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport announced Wednesday it has allocated rights for 25 international routes to 10 airlines, opening up more opportunities for low-cost carriers (LCCs) on flights connecting the country with China. The allocation includes additional services to major Chinese cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Dalian from Incheon International Airport, the nation's main gateway.
Specifically, flight entitlements for the Incheon-Beijing route have increased from 38 to 52 flights per week, while the Incheon-Shanghai route saw an increase from 56 to 63 weekly flights. Entitlements for Guangzhou and Dalian will rise from 21 to 28 flights per week each, Nanjing from 11 to 14 flights, and Changsha and Hangzhou from 10 to 14 flights per week each.
Several LCCs, including Parata Air Co., Jeju Air Co., Jin Air Co., Eastar Jet Co., and Air Premia Co., are among the airlines that received these new flight rights to China. This expansion follows a recent agreement between South Korea and China to increase bilateral flight rights for the first time in seven years. The government's move also aligns with its strategy to foster competition within the airline sector, particularly in anticipation of Korean Air Co.'s planned acquisition of its smaller rival, Asiana Airlines Inc., in December. The airlines will need to secure airport slots in China before commencing these new services, which are expected to begin in the 2027 summer season.