Seoul: The transport ministry announced Wednesday the allocation of rights for 25 international routes to 10 airlines, enhancing opportunities for low-cost carriers on flights between South Korea and China. This move includes additional services connecting Incheon, South Korea's main international gateway, with major Chinese cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Dalian.
According to Yonhap News Agency, flight entitlements on the Incheon-Beijing route have increased from 38 to 52 flights per week, while those on the Incheon-Shanghai route have risen from 56 to 63 per week. The weekly flight entitlements have also increased from 21 to 28 flights each for Guangzhou and Dalian, from 11 to 14 flights for Nanjing, and from 10 to 14 flights each for Changsha and Hangzhou.
Among the low-cost carriers receiving flight rights to China are Parata Air Co., Jeju Air Co., Jin Air Co., Eastar Jet Co., and Air Premia Co. The allocation follows a recent agreement between South Korea and China to expand bilateral flight rights for the first time in seven years. This initiative also comes as the government aims to promote competition in the airline industry ahead of Korean Air Co.'s planned acquisition of smaller rival Asiana Airlines Inc. in December.
The airlines are required to secure slots at the respective Chinese airports before launching the additional services, which are expected to commence in the 2027 summer season.