Air Premia Expands U.S. Network with New Incheon to Washington D.C. Route: A Boost for Travelers Between South Korea, New York, and San Francisco – Everything You Need to Know About the New Flight and Its Benefits for Tourists

Published on December 14, 2025

South Korea’s Air Premia is making waves in the airline industry with its latest expansion, announcing the launch of a new direct flight connecting Incheon and Washington, D.C.. This new route, set to operate four times a week starting April 24, 2026, will significantly enhance travel options for passengers between South Korea and the United States, making it the airline’s fourth U.S. mainland destination, joining Los Angeles, New York, and San Francisco.

This development marks a historic achievement as Air Premia becomes the first Korean carrier in over three decades to offer direct flights to Washington, D.C., a city that has long been an essential hub for diplomacy, business, and public sector travel. With this move, Air Premia strengthens its position as a North America-focused hybrid airline, reinforcing its commitment to expanding its trans-Pacific network.

A Strategic Market with Growing Demand

The new Incheon-Washington D.C. service is expected to cater to a diverse mix of travelers, including business professionals, diplomats, and tourists. The route serves a strategically important market, with Washington, D.C. being home to major international organizations, research institutions, and the U.S. federal government. The launch comes at a time when there has been a growing demand for additional travel options between the two cities.

Before Air Premia’s announcement, passengers often had to rely on connecting flights or codeshare arrangements with U.S. airlines, making this direct service a welcome addition for those seeking more efficient travel. According to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport, passenger traffic on the Incheon-Washington D.C. route has remained strong, with over 175,000 travelers recorded in 2024 alone.

With limited competition in this market, Air Premia’s entry is expected to provide travelers with more flexibility and competitive fares, giving the airline a distinct advantage in attracting both business and leisure travelers from South Korea and the U.S. alike.

A Convenient Schedule to Enhance Connectivity

Air Premia’s new service will operate on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, offering four flights per week. The flight will depart Incheon International Airport at 10:05 a.m. local time and land at Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) at 10:50 a.m. (local time), ensuring a comfortable arrival time for passengers. The return flight from Washington will leave at 1:20 p.m. and land in Incheon at 5:45 p.m. the following day, offering optimal timing for travelers needing to return to South Korea.

With the addition of this route, Air Premia’s U.S. network now spans both the East Coast and West Coast, as well as Hawaii, making it a convenient choice for North American travelers looking to visit South Korea. The expanded options are expected to increase competition on key routes and give passengers more choice when planning their trips.

How Air Premia’s U.S. Expansion Benefits Travelers

For frequent flyers and tourists alike, Air Premia’s expanded North American network provides a number of exciting opportunities:

• Enhanced travel options: The new route adds a direct connection between Washington D.C. and Incheon, offering passengers greater flexibility when planning their travel.
• Competitive fares: As a hybrid carrier, Air Premia is known for offering affordable pricing while maintaining high service standards, making this new route an excellent choice for budget-conscious travelers.
• Convenient flight schedule: The airline’s schedule provides optimal timings for travelers, making it easier to plan trips without the hassle of long layovers or complicated connections.
• Increased U.S.-Korea travel ties: With more flights between the U.S. and South Korea, there will likely be a boost in cultural exchanges, business travel, and tourism between the two nations.

What Should Travelers Know About the New Route?

Travelers should be aware of the following important details about Air Premia’s new Incheon-Washington D.C. route:

• Ticket Availability: Tickets for the new service will be available for purchase starting December 15, 2025.
• Government Approvals: While the schedule has been set, travelers should be aware that adjustments may occur pending final government approvals.
• Travel Flexibility: The flight will operate four times a week, providing more options for travelers, but it is recommended to check the schedule for any updates, especially during busy travel seasons.

Making the Most of Your Trip to Washington, D.C.

Washington D.C. is an essential destination for those interested in U.S. history, politics, and culture. Travelers flying in from Incheon can expect to be just a short distance from the White House, the National Mall, and the numerous Smithsonian Museums that make D.C. such a fascinating city to explore. Whether visiting for business or leisure, the new Air Premia route ensures easy access to the heart of the U.S. capital.

For South Korean visitors, Washington D.C. offers a unique opportunity to explore American landmarks, political history, and the rich cultural diversity of the U.S. The new direct flights will likely increase tourism in both directions, as U.S. travelers head to South Korea to explore Seoul’s cosmopolitan charm, historical sites, and vibrant culture.

Strengthening Air Premia’s U.S. Network

The Incheon-Washington D.C. route further strengthens Air Premia’s position as a major player in the North American aviation market. With this addition, the airline continues to expand its footprint in key cities across the U.S., providing more travel options for South Korean travelers and encouraging the growth of tourism between the two nations.

This new route marks a major step in Air Premia’s ongoing mission to become a key competitor in the North American market, with a balanced network serving both the East Coast and West Coast of the U.S., as well as Hawaii.

A Game Changer for South Korean Airlines

The launch of this new route is significant not just for Air Premia, but for South Korean aviation as a whole. It marks the first time in 31 years that a Korean carrier has launched a direct flight to Washington, D.C., signaling the country’s growing importance as a global aviation hub. With Incheon becoming an increasingly important international gateway, this development is expected to lead to further expansions and partnerships for South Korean airlines in the years to come.