Korea: Airlines frustrated over France's flip-flop

Air carriers are expressing frustration at France's recent decision not to increase the number of flights between Korea and France when the number of passengers has increased sharply in recent years. The French government had initially agreed to increase the number of flights to 14 per week from the current 12 when the two sides met in June last year. But it changed its stance this time, saying now is not the time to do so, according to officials at the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport. Carriers also appear to be disappointed with the transport ministry, saying the government should have pushed their French counterparts harder to make it more convenient for Korean travelers to visit the European nation. Currently, Korean Air operates daily flights from Incheon to Paris, and Asiana Airlines five times a week, while Air France flies daily to Incheon from Paris. Under the agreement, Korean carriers are allowed to fly to Paris a maximum of 12 times week and it is the same for French airlines. This means there is no room for Korean Air or Asiana Airlines to operate more flights to France, but Air France can add five more flights a week if it wants to. <br/>