Air transport rights between China and South Korea to increase for the first time in 7 years

Air transport rights between South Korea and China are set to increase, marking the first expansion in seven years. The number of weekly flights will rise from the current 662 to 732, according to an announcement by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport.

This agreement, reached during aviation talks held in Seoul from May 27 to 28, will see a total of 70 additional flights per week allocated between the two nations. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport stated that once the newly secured rights are distributed among airlines, they will proceed with slot acquisition and licensing procedures.

The increase in flight capacity is significant as it represents the first expansion of air traffic rights since 2019, prior to the global disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The resumption and expansion of flights are expected to facilitate greater travel and trade between the two neighboring countries.