Korea Airports Corporation-LCC Leaders Explore Expansion Plans for Korea-China Routes

Jeju Air, Jin Air, T'way Air, and Others Participate

Korea Airports Corporation announced on the 18th that it held discussions with representatives of domestic LCCs (low-cost carriers) on measures to revitalize international routes at regional airports, including increasing flights on Korea-China routes, in line with the allowance of group tours for Chinese tourists (Yukeo) to Korea. The meeting was attended by Aero K, Air Busan, Air Seoul, Eastar Jet, Jeju Air, Jin Air, and T'way Air.

The corporation and LCC representatives shared opinions on restoring and expanding Korea-China routes to meet the increased demand from Yukeo, addressing current issues such as expanding airline fleets and securing ground handling personnel, and promotions linked to cultural events at regional airports.

Yoon Hyung-jung, President of Korea Airports Corporation (fifth from the left), and representatives of LCC airlines are posing for a commemorative photo.
[Photo by Korea Airports Corporation]

The corporation aims to raise the recovery rate of China route operations compared to 2019 from 39% in August (796 flights per week in August 2019 → 310 flights per week in August this year) to 101% in December (720 flights per week in December 2019 → 726 flights per week in December 2023) by the end of this year.

To achieve this, the corporation plans to negotiate with the government to increase CIQ (Customs inspection, Immigration control, Quarantine) personnel. In October, it will co-host an 'Aviation Industry Job Fair' with airlines at Gimpo Airport to support recruitment efforts. It will also provide 1 billion KRW in overseas promotion and customer attraction expenses to encourage airline operations.

During the Chinese National Day holiday and regional K-pop event periods, K-Culture pop-up stores and duty-free shop discount promotions will be operated within airports. Group travel meeting zones will be established inside airports, and regional tourism products tailored to the Chinese MZ generation (Millennials + Generation Z) will be developed.

LCC airlines and the corporation agreed, “In line with the resumption of Chinese group tours after six years since the 2017 Hallyu ban, we will collaborate with local governments and the tourism industry to fully focus on increasing inbound demand.”