Resumption of Gimpo - Japan Haneda Air Route

Korea-Japan Major Route with Nearly 98% Load Factor
8 Weekly Flights Starting 29th, "Increasing Frequency"

Due to the rise in international oil prices, the fuel surcharge imposed on international flight tickets has once again reached a record high. According to the airline industry, Korean Air's international fuel surcharge for July has increased by 3 levels from June, applying level 22, resulting in charges ranging from 42,900 KRW to as much as 339,300 KRW depending on the distance. The domestic fuel surcharge will also increase from 17,600 KRW to 19,800 KRW starting this month. As a result, the airfare paid by consumers is expected to rise further. The photo shows the runway and apron at Gimpo Airport on the 17th. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on the 22nd that the Gimpo-Haneda flight route will resume from the 29th. This is a representative business route between Korea and Japan that was opened in 2003. It had an accessibility advantage to the capitals Seoul and Tokyo, with a load factor approaching 98%. However, operations were suspended from March 2020 due to the spread of COVID-19.

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport completed preparations to resume international flights at Gimpo Airport in line with the easing of social distancing measures last May. To expedite the restoration of the Gimpo-Haneda route, they closely consulted with Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. Both sides agreed on the 21st to resume operations with 8 flights per week. A government official stated, "Considering the increasing demand trend and the airlines’ readiness, we plan to increase the number of flights starting next month."

Issuance of short-term visit (C-3) visas for tourism purposes has already resumed. Japanese nationals can use the Gimpo-Haneda route to visit Korea for tourism as before. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism will prepare a welcoming space for foreign tourists at Gimpo Airport to expand tourism. In the second half of the year, they will also hold Korean tourism briefings in major Japanese cities. They plan to promote the restoration of exchange networks between the tourism industries of both countries through local travel fairs and other events.