Sky Route Opened... Air Busan Simultaneously Launches 5 International Flights from Incheon in May

Air Busan passenger aircraft.

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[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Yong-woo] Air Busan has entered the post-COVID era by launching a large number of international routes.

On the 19th, Air Busan announced that it will operate five regular flights from Incheon Airport to actively target the metropolitan area and prepare for post-COVID travel demand.

Air Busan recently received approval from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport to operate regular flights departing from Incheon to △Osaka (once a week) △Narita (Tokyo/once a week) △Nha Trang (once a week) △Kota Kinabalu (once a week) △Guam (twice a week). These new routes will commence from May.

This is the first time since its establishment that Air Busan is launching five new routes simultaneously from Incheon Airport, enabling a full-scale approach to the metropolitan area.

The newly launched routes are expected to see rapid demand growth as they connect major Japanese cities with steady business and study abroad demand, as well as Southeast Asian and Oceania routes where foreign entry restrictions have been eased.

Before COVID-19, in November 2019, Air Busan began operations at Incheon Airport with the Incheon-Ningbo route and operated flights to five cities in three countries from Incheon Airport, including △Shenzhen △Chengdu △Kaohsiung △Cebu.

The next-generation aircraft A321neo deployed on domestic and international routes is praised for its comfortable service, punctuality, and excellent safety performance, achieving an average load factor of over 80%, establishing a stable position in a short period.

Following the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport’s policy to increase regular flights at Incheon Airport, Air Busan plans to accelerate the launch and expansion of new routes at Incheon Airport.

By operating routes mainly to tourist destinations with high travel demand and simple entry procedures, and flexibly operating charter flights linked with travel agencies, Air Busan aims to gain an advantage in the recovery phase of international flights at Incheon Airport.

Air Busan has already confirmed exclusive charter flights to Da Nang, Vietnam, departing from Incheon during the summer peak season and Chuseok holidays in collaboration with Hana Tour.

Air Busan will also strengthen its competitiveness through the introduction of new aircraft. This year, it plans to return its existing A321 aircraft and introduce two more next-generation A321neo aircraft.

The A321neo aircraft can fly approximately 1,000 km farther than the main aircraft of other low-cost carriers. It can operate medium-haul routes such as Singapore and Bali and offers a comfortable cabin environment as a new aircraft. Air Busan plans to continuously introduce next-generation aircraft to secure medium-haul routes departing from Incheon.

Air Busan CEO Ahn Byung-seok said, “We are honored to now provide Air Busan’s unique comfortable cabin environment and excellent service at Incheon Airport,” adding, “We will maximize corporate value by aggressively targeting the high-demand metropolitan area.”

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