Korean airlines to expand China routes in expectation of demand rise

South Korean airlines are expected to expand flights to China starting next month in a move to keep up with the growing demand following Beijing’s resumption of group tours to Korea. According to multiple sources from the airline industry on Sunday, Korean Air Lines will resume flights between Incheon and Wuhan and Incheon and Weihai next month for the first time in three years after they were suspended due to Covid-19. The full-service carrier will operate the Incheon-Wuhan route three times a week starting Sept. 24 and the Incheon-Weihai route four times a week from Sept. 27. The resumption comes as the number of Chinese travelers is projected to surge during the Chinese National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival holidays between Sept. 29 and Oct. 6. Korean Air had initially planned to reduce flights to China after passenger demand showed signs of a decline. The airline announced in June that it would suspend its Gimpo-Beijing route from August. However, Korean Air withdrew its decision and decided to continue to operate the route. Korean Air is also considering resuming flights between Jeju, Korea’s major holiday destination, and mainland China. Low-cost carriers (LCCs), which have been focusing on flights to Japan and Southeast Asia, are also preparing to expand flights to China.<br/>