Korean Air has drastically reduced its regional international flights, triggering economic concerns in cities like Busan. Although air travel is booming globally, Korea’s aviation strategy appears to ignore regional tourism’s potential. Korean Air slashed 45% of international flights from secondary airports. Meanwhile, Seoul’s Incheon Airport faced only minor reductions. Therefore, regional cities like Busan have suffered a major tourism setback.
Before the pandemic, Busan’s Gimhae Airport welcomed growing numbers of international tourists. Now, travel options have dropped steeply. Hotel bookings have fallen, while restaurants and local businesses report lower profits. Moreover, upcoming infrastructure projects face delays due to uncertainty. Investors worry about reduced international access and limited connectivity outside of Seoul.
Despite global trends that favor secondary cities, Korean Air has chosen a different path. Airlines in Japan, Australia, and Europe continue expanding their regional networks. However, Korea’s strategy leans heavily on long-haul routes with higher yields. This approach benefits Incheon but hurts cities like Daegu, Jeju, and Busan. Furthermore, local events like the Busan International Film Festival could suffer due to low foreign attendance.
Korean Air blamed aircraft delivery delays for the flight cuts. Yet, industry experts point to profit-driven decisions. They argue the airline focuses on reducing short-haul routes and maximizing returns from longer international services. Meanwhile, budget carriers remain underutilized in regional markets.
The government must now act decisively. Officials should offer route subsidies and support low-cost airlines to restore regional connections. Busan’s economy needs these efforts to maintain momentum and recover lost tourism revenue. With the right support, Korea can embrace regional diversity instead of centralizing everything in Seoul.
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