South Korea Allocates 25 International Routes to 10 Airlines, Boosting Low-Cost Carrier Access to China
Quick Look
South Korea's transport ministry allocated rights for 25 international routes to 10 airlines, increasing flight entitlements on key routes to China including Incheon-Beijing and Incheon-Shanghai, to promote competition ahead of Korean Air's planned acquisition of Asiana Airlines.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
The allocation follows a recent agreement between South Korea and China to expand bilateral flight rights for the first time in seven years. It also comes as the government seeks to promote competition in the airline industry ahead of Korean Air Co.'s planned acquisition of smaller rival Asiana Airlines Inc. in December.
By Kim Eun-jung
SEOUL, Sept. 16 (Yonhap) -- The transport ministry said Wednesday it has allocated rights for 25 international routes to 10 airlines, opening more lucrative opportunities for low-cost carriers on flights linking South Korea and China.
The allocation includes additional services connecting Incheon, South Korea's main international gateway, with major Chinese cities, such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Dalian, according to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport.
Flight entitlements on the Incheon-Beijing route increased from 38 to 52 flights per week, while those on the Incheon-Shanghai route rose from 56 to 63 per week.
Weekly flight entitlements also increased from 21 to 28 flights each for Guangzhou and Dalian, from 11 to 14 flights for Nanjing, and from 10 to 14 flights each for Changsha and Hangzhou.
Among the low-cost carriers receiving flight rights to China were Parata Air Co., Jeju Air Co., Jin Air Co., Eastar Jet Co. and Air Premia Co.
The allocation follows a recent agreement between South Korea and China to expand bilateral flight rights for the first time in seven years. It also comes as the government seeks to promote competition in the airline industry ahead of Korean Air Co.'s planned acquisition of smaller rival Asiana Airlines Inc. in December.
The airlines will need to secure slots at the respective Chinese airports before launching the additional services, which are expected to begin in the 2027 summer season.
What to Watch
AI outlook โ possibilities, not facts
The additional flight services are expected to begin in the 2027 summer season.
Very likely ยท Within years
Open Questions
- Which specific slots at Chinese airports will the airlines need to secure?
- What is the exact timeline for slot allocation at Chinese airports?
- How will the increased flight capacity affect ticket prices on Korea-China routes?
