Korean Air expanding routes to China, U.S., Southeast Asia for summer

Korean Air's B747-8i [KOREAN AIR LINES]

Korean Air Lines has announced plans to resume operations to four key destinations across China, Europe and Southeast Asia, while also ramping up flight frequencies on major routes for the upcoming summer 2024 season, from March 31.

The expansion will allow the airline’s international capacity to reach approximately 96 percent of pre-pandemic levels, measured by available seat kilometers (ASK), according to Korea's flag carrier.

From April 2, the airline will recommence three weekly flights between Incheon and Zurich, Switzerland, in response to heightened demand for the favored travel destination among Koreans.

Starting April 23, Korean Air will resume three weekly flights on the Incheon-Zhangjiajie route, known for its Unesco World Natural Heritage site status and its association with the cinematic world of "Avatar"(2020).

From April 24, the flag carrier will reinstate its Incheon-Zhengzhou services, operating four flights per week. Zhengzhou, a popular tourist hub in China, boasts attractions like Taihang Mountains and the historic Shaolin Temple, offering visitors a rich cultural experience.

After a hiatus of nearly four years due to the pandemic, Korean Air will resume daily flights on the Busan-Bangkok route starting from April 25, facilitating increased connectivity.

Acknowledging burgeoning demand, flight frequencies will be boosted on key routes to Europe, Southeast Asia and North America.

The Incheon-Budapest route will see an increase from three to four weekly flights, catering to the city's reputation as a thriving tourist destination and industrial hub.

The frequency of flights on the Incheon-Bangkok route will rise from three to four daily flights, while the Incheon-Manila route will see an increase from two to three daily flights. Since January, Korean Air has augmented its services on the Incheon-Bali route, offering eleven weekly flights to accommodate traveler preferences.

For North America, the Incheon-Dallas route will witness an increase in services from four flights per week to daily flights, aiming to bolster connectivity to the south-central United States.

"Korean Air will continue to monitor seasonal elements that affect demand on its expansive global network to provide optimal schedules and enhance customer experience," the company said through a release Monday.

BY SEO JI-EUN [seo.jieun1@joongang.co.kr]