[Asia Economy Reporter Moon Jiwon] The Korea-China international air routes, which were significantly reduced due to the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), will be partially restored. This is expected to somewhat alleviate the inconveniences faced by Korean companies struggling with the shortage of flights.
The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport announced on the 12th that, following China's announcement last month on the 4th to ease flight restrictions and after consultations between the aviation authorities of both countries, they have agreed to expand the current 10 weekly flights between the two countries to a maximum of 20 weekly flights.
This expansion of air operations was promoted to support urgent business demands, as well as the return of local residents and international students.
Currently, Korea-China flights operate once weekly on three routes: Incheon-Shenyang, Incheon-Changchun, and Incheon-Weihai.
Starting today, the Incheon-Nanjing route will be added, and plans are underway to apply for flight permits from the aviation authorities of both countries soon for the Incheon-Guangzhou, Jeju-Xi'an, and Incheon-Shenzhen routes.
Consultations with China are also ongoing for three other routes. The number of air routes between the two countries will be expanded to a maximum of 10.
According to China's easing of flight restrictions, if no COVID-19 positive passengers are detected on specific routes for three consecutive weeks, further route expansions between the two countries are expected to be possible through mutual consultations.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
