Flights to nowhere get themes, but not real destinations

An Asiana Airlines aircraft parked at Incheon International Airport in November. [NEWS1]

Asiana Airlines is offering new flights to nowhere with destination themes like Spain, Australia and Taiwan.

The airline said Wednesday the flights, which leave from and return to Incheon International Airport, might make passengers feel like they're actually traveling overseas in the way they could before Covid-19.

In reality, the flights go over Busan, Fukuoka and Jeju Island.

On April 11, 17 and 25, passengers on flights to nowhere will be treated to performances of traditional Spanish flamenco dances at the boarding gate, and will be given souvenirs like notepads.

Passengers will be given a lecture on Spain during the flight, which lasts around 2 hours and 20 minutes.

The airline “hopes to revive the feelings people had when they traveled to Spain and offer them a sense of the expectations of traveling abroad through the no-landing flight,” said the company in a statement on Wednesday.

Asiana Airlines plan to roll out a similar flight promoting Australia in May and Taiwan in June.

Travelers flying on the flights to nowhere can shop at duty-free stores and accumulate mileage points. They have to sacrifice in-flight meals, however, which are not offered due to Covid-19.

Tickets start at 140,000 won ($127) for an economy class seat.

Only Korean passport holders are eligible for the flights.

BY JIN MIN-JI [jin.minji@joongang.co.kr]