In a bid to meet the surging demand for air travel between Korea and Mongolia, the transport ministries of both nations have agreed to enhance flight operations. The agreement, announced on Sunday by Korea’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, aims to facilitate smoother travel between the two countries.
One of the key developments includes the expansion of flight operations to include two additional airports in Korea, aside from the existing five locations. This move is expected to provide greater convenience and accessibility for travelers, particularly those in regions like Jeju and Yangyang.
Furthermore, the agreement will enable the Korean government to consider requests from local airlines to launch new flights from Jeju International Airport and Yangyang International Airport. This is a significant step towards enhancing air connectivity and promoting tourism and business exchanges.
Another notable change is the increase in the number of flights departing from Gimhae International Airport near Busan, from six per week to nine. This adjustment is aimed at meeting the growing demand for air travel and providing more options for travelers.
Additionally, both countries have agreed to remove the size limit for aircraft departing from regional airports, which previously restricted seating capacity to 200. This move is expected to facilitate the operation of larger aircraft and accommodate more passengers, especially during peak seasons.
Speaking of peak seasons, the agreement also includes plans to double the number of seats available during the peak season, from June to August. This will increase the weekly seat capacity to at least 10,800, up from the previous 9,000, ensuring that travelers have more options and flexibility.
However, it’s worth noting that the two countries were unable to reach an agreement on fully lifting the flight numbers. Mongolia expressed concerns over Korean carriers dominating the market, leading to a temporary setback in negotiations.
Despite this, the recent increase in passenger numbers between Korea and Mongolia paints a promising picture for future air travel between the two countries. From around 41,000 passengers in 2021 to approximately 318,000 in 2022 and a remarkable 653,000 last year, the upward trend indicates a growing interest in travel between the two nations.
Overall, the agreement to enhance flight operations between Korea and Mongolia reflects a commitment to strengthening bilateral ties and promoting greater connectivity and accessibility for travelers.
(Source: Korea Times | Yonhap News Agency)
