Asiana Accelerates Normalization of European Routes... Recovers 50% of Pre-COVID Levels

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo Hyun-seok] Asiana Airlines is set to fully restore its European routes.

On the 9th, Asiana Airlines announced that it will gradually expand its European routes from May to July. Currently operating two routes six times a week, the airline plans to increase this monthly to operate six routes 17 times a week by July.

First, the Incheon-Frankfurt route will increase from four to five flights per week starting on the 28th of this month, and the Incheon-London route will increase from two to three flights per week starting on the 30th.

Next month, the airline will resume flights on the Incheon-Paris and Incheon-Roma routes after a 2 year and 3 month hiatus. The Incheon-Roma route will operate twice a week starting on the 18th, and the Incheon-Paris route will operate three times a week starting on the 22nd.

In July, flights will resume on the Incheon-Barcelona and Incheon-Istanbul routes, marking a return after 2 years and 4 months of suspension due to COVID-19. Both routes will operate twice a week starting July 23.

With this resumption and increase in flights, the supply of European routes will recover up to 50% compared to pre-COVID-19 levels based on weekly flight frequency. An Asiana Airlines official stated, "Since Europe is considered a preferred travel destination after COVID-19, demand for European routes is increasing significantly. In response, we decided to increase flights and will closely monitor demand trends to continuously strengthen our European route network."

Currently, Europe has significantly eased quarantine regulations for overseas arrivals early on, allowing travel without quarantine if certain documents are presented. Passengers on the Incheon-London route can enter without any quarantine regulations. For most other European countries, travelers need to present one of the following documents: a negative COVID-19 test certificate, a vaccination certificate, or a COVID-19 recovery certificate. Detailed country-specific entry restrictions can be found at the 'Asiana Airlines COVID-19 Comprehensive Information Center.'

Meanwhile, to celebrate the resumption of flights to Paris, Roma, Barcelona, and Istanbul, Asiana Airlines will run various promotions from the 23rd through August 31. During the event period, Asiana Club members who purchase tickets for these routes on the Asiana Airlines website or mobile app and complete their travel will receive a 5% discount coupon (usable on rebooking European routes). Additionally, the first passengers on the resumed flights will receive special commemorative gifts on a first-come, first-served basis, and two will be selected by lottery to receive a free upgrade to Business Class.

When using Shilla Duty Free, customers will receive grade upgrades and up to 30% special discounts. Booking hotels and rental cars through Booking.com and Rentalcars.com will earn additional mileage points.

Benefits are also prepared for travelers in Europe. Presenting an Asiana Airlines boarding pass and passport will grant discounts such as at Galeries Lafayette in Paris, Bateaux Parisiens, and the Europe The Bicester Village Shopping Collection. Furthermore, in collaboration with the French Tourism Office, discounts at Printemps department store and local benefits (presenting both Asiana Airlines boarding pass and invitation) will be offered. Detailed event information will be available on the Asiana Airlines website starting on the 23rd.