"The Inevitable Has Come" Increasing International Flight Shutdowns

Strengthened Entry Controls for Passengers from Korea in 103 Countries Worldwide
Even Japan Imposes "14-Day Quarantine"... Reality of International Flight Shutdown for Airlines

As the number of confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) rapidly increases in South Korea, the counters of Chinese airlines at the departure hall of Terminal 1, Incheon International Airport, appeared quiet on the 24th.
Yeongjongdo - Photo by Kim Hyunmin kimhyun81@

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo Je-hoon] Airlines that have completely suspended international flights due to the impact of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) are increasing. According to the industry on the 8th, Japanese Prime Minister Abe Shinzo (安倍普三) decided to implement a 14-day self-quarantine for passengers arriving from Korea and China starting from the 9th, leading to an increase in domestic airlines suspending international flights.

Leading the way was Air Seoul, which proactively suspended all international flights except domestic routes (Gimpo~Jeju) last month. Eastar Jet and Air Busan also suspended international routes due to Japan's entry restrictions.

In fact, half (3 out of 6) of the low-cost carriers (LCCs) have suspended international flights. Since LCCs first launched international routes in 2009, this is the first time such a situation has occurred.

This is because various countries overseas are strengthening entry restrictions in response to the spread of COVID-19 in Korea. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as of this date, a total of 103 countries have banned entry of passengers from Korea or strengthened entry procedures such as self-quarantine.

A representative from a domestic LCC said, "As countries overseas strengthen entry restrictions, Japan was the only remaining route, but now even that has become difficult to operate," adding, "It feels like we have gone back to the early days of the business."

As the situation rapidly worsens, there are forecasts within and outside the industry that LCCs will enter a full-scale restructuring phase. Including three LCCs, all domestic LCCs are currently undergoing unpaid leave for a certain period. Some airlines' financial conditions have deteriorated to the point where they paid only 40% of employees' salaries last month.

As airlines face difficulties, related industries such as travel, tourism, and ground handling companies are also falling into crisis. The industry is calling for active government measures. An industry official said, "It is true that the industry has made self-defeating moves such as overheating competition and oversupply, but if the industrial ecosystem collapses due to this situation, it will cost more time and money to recover later," adding, "This is a time when active measures are necessary."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.