[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo Hyun-seok] Asiana Airlines announced on the 4th that it has successfully resumed operations on the Incheon~Hawaii route. This comes 25 months after the suspension of flights in March 2020 due to COVID-19.
The first flight, Asiana Airlines flight OZ232, achieved an 80% occupancy rate. Notably, the majority of passengers were couples and families taking postponed overseas honeymoon trips.
The Incheon~Hawaii route is the first international route Asiana Airlines has resumed since the quarantine exemption for domestic and international travelers who have completed vaccination, which took effect on the 1st. This route allows travel at pre-COVID-19 levels.
Hawaii is a popular travel destination where tourists can enjoy sightseeing, shopping, and relaxation, and it is also renowned as an overseas honeymoon spot. Since the government announced the quarantine exemption plan on April 11, reservation rates for this route have more than doubled over the past three weeks, reflecting continued travel demand.
Asiana Airlines operates the Incheon~Hawaii flights three times a week. Departing Incheon Airport at 8:20 PM, the flight arrives at Honolulu Airport at 10:10 AM local time. The return flight departs Honolulu at 11:50 AM local time and arrives at Incheon Airport at 5:10 PM the following day.
Required documents for entry into Hawaii include ▲an English certificate of completed COVID-19 vaccination ▲a negative COVID-19 test result (PCR or rapid antigen test) within one day prior to departure. Upon submission of these documents, travelers can enter without quarantine. When returning to Korea from Hawaii, passengers must carry a negative PCR test result obtained within 48 hours of departure.
An Asiana Airlines official stated, “The Hawaii route, a representative overseas honeymoon destination, has fired a successful starting shot for the resumption of international flights,” adding, “We plan to operate various routes and schedules in line with the expansion of quarantine-free travel routes.”
To commemorate the resumption of flights to Hawaii, Asiana Airlines is also running the ‘Honey Holiday in Hawaii’ promotion. From April 20 to 30, passengers booking tickets (travel limited to May 11?June 29) as families or couples will be offered various discounts on airfare, hotels, and more.
Meanwhile, in collaboration with Incheon International Airport Corporation, Asiana Airlines provided all passengers on the Incheon~Hawaii OZ232 flight yesterday with Asiana-branded products such as tablet PC pouch bags (business class), smartphone holders, as well as travel pouches and luggage tags as souvenirs from Incheon International Airport.
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