Korea continues T’way Air Paris route discussions with France

South Korean authorities are negotiating with France regarding the smooth operation of T’way Air’s upcoming inaugural flight to Paris. They form part of the airline’s preparations to take over four European passenger routes, including Paris, from Korean Air Lines and Asiana Airlines following the planned merger between the two full-service carriers. According to industry sources on Friday, French aviation authorities recently raised concerns to the South Korean government and Korean Air that T’way Air’s operation to France violates aviation agreements between the two countries. Only one national carrier, Korean Air, has been allowed to operate flights to Paris in the 34 years since the Korea and France signed an aviation agreement in 1974. But the agreement was expanded to allow “two Korean airlines” starting from 2008, thus allowing Asiana Airlines to operate flights to the City of Light as well. Korean Air currently operates seven flights per week on the Incheon-Paris route, while Asiana Airlines operates six. The French government views T’way Air’s planned launch of flights on the Incheon-Paris route at the end of June 2024 as a violation of this agreement.<br/>