[Yanolja Research Insights] Vol.28 Unlocking Regional Skies: An Analysis of the Northeast Asian Air Network

Unlocking Regional Skies: Key Insights for the Future of Northeast Asian Air Travel

Rapid Recovery, Persistent Imbalances

• Inbound tourism to Korea has nearly returned to pre-pandemic levels, with 2024 welcoming approximately 16.37 million international visitors—a 93.5% recovery rate from 2019.
• However, the vast majority of foreign travelers still enter through Seoul’s Incheon and Gimpo airports (about 73%), while regional airports account for only 15.1% of arrivals. This highlights a continued imbalance, with most tourism activity concentrated in the capital region.

Air Network Dynamics: Who Flies Where?

• Korean airlines dominate international routes, operating nearly 67% of all scheduled flights, particularly on routes to Japan and Taiwan.
• Foreign airline participation is highest on China routes, where Chinese carriers operate over 60% of flights. This contrasts sharply with Japan routes, where Korean carriers handle over 90% of flights.
• Low-cost carriers (LCCs) have rapidly expanded, especially on Japan and Taiwan routes, further reinforcing Korean dominance and outbound-focused supply.

Regional Airport Connectivity: A Mixed Picture

• Japan Routes: Extensive coverage links Korean airports to 26 Japanese cities, but almost all flights are operated by Korean airlines. Japanese carriers serve only three routes, all to Seoul, limiting direct access for Japanese tourists to regional Korea.
• China Routes: The most extensive network, connecting seven Korean airports with 39 Chinese cities. Chinese airlines actively serve regional airports, offering greater potential for balanced tourism flows.
• Taiwan Routes: While smaller in scale, these routes show a more balanced supply, with both Korean and Taiwanese airlines operating flights to regional airports. Notably, Gimhae Airport saw over 360,000 Taiwanese arrivals in 2024, outpacing arrivals from Japan and China.

Why Foreign Carriers Matter

• Attracting foreign airlines to regional airports is a proven strategy for boosting inbound tourism.
• It lowers barriers for foreign travelers, increases route diversity, and helps distribute tourism benefits beyond Seoul.
• Successful examples, such as increased Taiwanese arrivals at Gimhae Airport, demonstrate the tangible impact of collaborative efforts between local governments and airlines.
• Japan’s approach offers inspiration: Systematic incentives, joint marketing, and coordinated support have helped smaller Japanese cities attract international flights and stimulate local tourism.

For more in-depth analysis and actionable recommendations, visit our official website and explore the full report. Discover how the future of Northeast Asian air travel is being shaped today.

Yanolja Research Insights Vol.28