25 international route rights allocated, mainly for China services
As air travel demand between Korea and China continues to recover, more routes linking major Chinese cities and regional airports will open up. South Korea’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport said it allocated traffic rights for 25 international routes to 10 Korean airlines following deliberations by the Air Transport Deliberation Committee on Sept. 16, 2026.
The allocation covers routes from Incheon to Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou, as well as Chinese services from Busan, Daegu, Cheongju, Muan and Yangyang airports. With low-cost carriers (LCCs) and new airlines now able to enter routes previously dominated by full-service carriers, the competitive landscape is expected to shift.
LCCs gain access to major routes including Beijing and Shanghai
According to the ministry, Eastar Jet was awarded traffic rights for seven weekly flights from Incheon to Beijing, three weekly flights from Incheon to Nanjing and three weekly flights from Daegu to Beijing. Jeju Air secured rights for seven weekly flights from Incheon to Beijing and four weekly flights from Incheon to Changsha.
On the Incheon–Shanghai route, Parata Air will be able to operate four flights a week and Air Premia three. Jin Air was allocated seven weekly flights from Incheon to Guangzhou, while Trinity Air received rights for seven weekly flights from Incheon to Dalian.
The move is expected to give travelers more choice on key China routes and increase seat capacity as airlines add flights. However, the actual launch dates and operating schedules may vary depending on each airline’s business plans and the approval process for scheduled services.
Regional airports to add more China services
Direct flights to China from regional airports will also expand. From Busan, Air Busan was awarded rights for four weekly flights each to Chengdu and Harbin, while Jin Air received rights for two weekly flights from Busan to Hangzhou.
From Daegu, Eastar Jet secured rights for three weekly flights to Beijing, and Trinity Air received rights for three weekly flights to Xiamen. At Cheongju, Aero K was awarded rights for three weekly flights to Dalian.
At Muan Airport, Aero K received rights for three weekly flights to Beijing and two weekly flights each to Yanji and Zhangjiajie. Jeju Air was allocated three weekly flights to Shanghai. At Yangyang Airport, Parata Air received rights for three weekly flights each to Shanghai and Hangzhou.
Recovering Korea-China air travel demand drives decision
The allocation reflects the recent recovery in passenger demand between Korea and China, as well as efforts to boost international services at regional airports. The transport ministry expects expanded China services to give consumers more options and encourage more international visitors to travel to destinations outside the major cities.
Distributing China-bound services currently concentrated at Incheon Airport among regional airports could make travel more convenient for local residents and generate additional demand for regional tourism, accommodation and transportation. For airlines, the move also creates opportunities to expand beyond routes to China’s largest cities and serve more regional destinations.
More airline competition, greater choice for travelers
Although the allocation of traffic rights does not automatically mean that new routes will begin operating, it lays the groundwork for competition among airlines seeking to launch services. Carriers will determine their specific schedules after reviewing aircraft availability, airport slots, staffing needs and local business conditions.
If new entrants proceed as planned, passengers could see more seats and a wider range of flight options on China routes. Competition on fares and service may also intensify, although actual ticket prices will depend on factors including fuel costs, exchange rates, peak-season demand and each airline’s operating strategy.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
How many China route rights were allocated?
On Sept. 16, 2026, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport allocated traffic rights for 25 international routes to 10 Korean airlines.
Which China routes will see LCCs enter the market?
LCCs and new airlines will be able to enter several routes, including Incheon–Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Nanjing, Changsha and Dalian, as well as Daegu–Beijing and Muan–Beijing and Shanghai.
Will regional airports also get more direct flights to China?
They are expected to. Traffic rights were allocated for routes linking Busan, Daegu, Cheongju, Muan and Yangyang airports with Chinese cities including Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Harbin, Dalian and Xiamen.
Does receiving traffic rights mean flights will begin immediately?
No. After traffic rights are allocated, airlines must secure aircraft and crew, set operating schedules and complete required procedures, including approval for scheduled services.
Will this move lead to lower airfares?
Greater competition could put downward pressure on fares if more airlines and flights enter the market. However, actual prices will also be affected by fuel costs, exchange rates, demand and whether it is peak season.
