Korean Air and Asiana Strengthen 'Incheon-Hawaii' Route Despite COVID-19
Korean Air to Increase Flights to 5 Times Weekly Next Month
Asiana to Operate 3 Times Weekly from April Next Year
Ranked No.1 Preferred Region for Advance Reservations
Domestic major airlines are strengthening their Hawaii routes, which remain in high demand despite the spread of COVID-19 variants.
According to the aviation industry on the 6th, Korean Air plans to increase its Incheon-Hawaii (Honolulu) route from three times a week (Wednesday, Friday, Sunday) this month to five times a week (Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday) starting January next year. This decision to resume flights comes 19 months after suspending operations last month due to the impact of COVID-19, in response to the rising number of visitors.
Asiana Airlines also decided to operate the Incheon-Hawaii route three times a week (Wednesday, Friday, Sunday) starting April next year. The flight departing from Incheon (OZ232) is scheduled at 8:20 PM, and the return flight (OZ231) at 11:10 AM, times that are convenient for travelers.
The industry analyzed that major airlines, unlike low-cost carriers (LCCs), are leveraging their advantage of operating long-haul international flights to enhance competitiveness on traditionally popular routes.
According to Interpark Tour’s “2022 Overseas Air Ticket Reservation Data” (based on advance reservations from June to July), Hawaii ranked first in preferred destinations for trips departing next year after COVID-19. With expectations of a phased return to normal life (With COVID), the number of passengers on the Hawaii route increased more than tenfold, from about 200 in January to 2,301 as of October.
Currently, travelers to Hawaii can travel without separate self-quarantine if they submit COVID-19 vaccination certificates and negative test results. However, due to government quarantine guidelines following the spread of the Omicron variant, a 10-day quarantine is required upon return to Korea.
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An aviation industry official said, "Domestic major airlines are focusing on securing international passengers on the Hawaii route, which has traditionally been the number one travel destination for newlyweds in Korea," adding, "Stable operations are expected despite the impact of COVID-19."
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