Airlines Targeting Lunar New Year Holiday Demand Surge

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo Hyun-seok] Domestic airlines have increased flights to accommodate the Lunar New Year holiday. This is to attract returning travelers and tourists during the holiday period.

On the 17th, Korean Air announced that from the 20th to the 24th, it will add 10 one-way flights on the Gimpo-Jeju route. This will provide an additional 1,900 seats.

During the same period, Asiana Airlines will also operate 10 additional temporary flights on four routes: Gimpo-Gwangju, Gimpo-Jeju, Gimpo-Yeosu, and Yeosu-Jeju. They plan to supply a total of 1,740 seats.

Low-cost carriers (LCCs) are increasing flights not only on domestic routes but also on international routes. Jeju Air will operate 24 temporary domestic flights from the 19th to the 26th on routes including Gimpo-Busan, Gimpo-Daegu, Busan-Jeju, and Cheongju-Jeju. On international routes such as Incheon-Sapporo, Osaka, Da Nang, and Bangkok, they will add 54 flights.

Air Busan will increase the Busan-Osaka route, which currently operates two round trips daily, to three round trips from the 20th to the 24th. The Busan-Taipei route will also increase from one to two round trips. At Incheon Airport, the Fukuoka route will increase from one to two flights daily, and the Osaka route will be increased to three flights on the 21st and 24th only. Additionally, irregular flights will be added to Da Nang, Vietnam, operating one round trip daily.

In addition to increasing flights, various events will be held. Until last year, face-to-face events were not possible due to COVID-19 prevention measures. Asiana Airlines will provide Seollal (Lunar New Year) money envelopes at domestic airport counters. Especially at Incheon International Airport and Gimpo Airport international terminals, staff dressed in hanbok will offer guidance services at counters and lounges. This is the first time since 2020. Jeju Air held a traditional Yutnori game event with cabin crew on the 14th at AK Plaza Hongdae in Mapo-gu, Seoul, to celebrate the Lunar New Year. Another event will be held on the 20th at AK Plaza Suwon branch.

Until last year, airlines only increased domestic flights. However, with the easing of COVID-19 restrictions and the reopening of air routes, they are expanding international flights and holding various events. This is a response to the increase in passenger demand. An airline industry official said, "The holiday period is when passenger demand significantly increases for airlines," adding, "We respond to passengers by increasing flights and other measures."