Korean Air Slashes forty-five percent of Regional Flights, Leaving Busan and Other Tourist Hubs Vulnerable: What You Need to Know

Published on May 11, 2025

Once celebrated as Asia’s up-and-coming coastal powerhouse, Busan now finds itself in an aviation crisis. In a stunning turn, Korean Air has cut 45% of international flights from regional airports, a move that is not only reshaping air traffic routes but also placing South Korea’s regional tourism growth at serious risk.

From 11,408 regional international flights in 2019 to just 6,199 in 2024, the drop is alarming. At Busan’s Gimhae Airport alone, international operations have plunged 42%. While Incheon Airport near Seoul saw only minor cuts, regional hubs are bearing the brunt. For travelers, tour operators, and tourism-dependent economies outside of Seoul, this isn’t just a scheduling inconvenience—it’s a catastrophe.

A Global Trend Ignored: Why Regional Travel Is the Future

All over the world, tourism is diversifying. Post-pandemic travelers are seeking authentic, regional experiences—far from overcrowded capitals. Destinations like Busan, with its sandy beaches, historic temples, cultural festivals, and seafood markets, are exactly the kinds of cities that should be thriving in 2025.

In countries like Japan, Australia, and Italy, airlines are actively expanding service to secondary cities. Not in South Korea. Instead, Korean Air is consolidating around Seoul’s Incheon hub, redirecting resources away from regional airports and placing long-haul, high-yield routes at the center of its strategy.

This contradicts major global tourism trends:

• Luxury travel is expanding into smaller, regional cities.
• International travelers seek culturally immersive, off-the-beaten-path destinations.
• Decentralized airline routes support sustainable, balanced tourism development.

The Economic Cost: Busan Left in the Shadows

Tourism is a critical driver of regional economies like Busan, contributing more than 10% of the city’s GDP. With fewer flights, the ripple effects are already evident:

• Hotel occupancy rates are down 17% year-over-year.
• International tourism package bookings have dropped by 23%.
• Local businesses dependent on travelers—restaurants, guesthouses, transport services—are reporting revenue losses of up to 30%.

What’s more, upcoming infrastructure projects, like luxury hotels and waterfront resorts, are now in jeopardy. Some investors have pulled back, citing “logistical uncertainty” and reduced international accessibility.

Busan’s annual events—like the Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) and Sea Art Festival—rely on global attendance. Organizers warn that reduced air access could weaken international participation, threatening Busan’s growing cultural cachet.

Why Is Korean Air Doing This?

According to the airline, the cuts are due to aircraft delivery delays caused by global supply chain issues. Indeed, Boeing and Airbus have reported ongoing production backlogs, affecting carriers worldwide. But critics say the problem goes deeper.

At Incheon International Airport—Korean Air’s home base—the cuts have been minimal: just 5.7%. In contrast, regional airports like Gimhae (PUS) and Daegu (TAE) have seen decimations of over 40%. The implication? This isn’t just about delivery delays—it’s a strategic pivot toward profitability over connectivity.

Industry insiders reveal the airline is:

• Focusing on long-haul routes to North America, Europe, and the Middle East, which yield higher margins.
• Reducing less profitable short-haul routes, especially to China and Southeast Asia, where demand has not fully recovered post-COVID.
• Centralizing operations to streamline maintenance, staffing, and fleet management.

Tourism Domino Effect: Who Really Pays the Price?

The consequences go far beyond flight schedules. Here’s what’s at stake:

• Global tourism perception: South Korea risks being viewed as a one-city destination.
• Intra-Asian travel competitiveness: With Japan, Thailand, and Vietnam investing in regional airport growth, Korea may lose market share.
• Domestic dissatisfaction: Civic groups and regional leaders accuse the government of allowing Seoul-centric favoritism.

In Busan, public outcry is growing. Protests from tourism boards and hospitality associations demand immediate intervention. Local politicians have urged the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport to mandate fairer airline service distribution and offer subsidies or incentives to boost regional traffic.

Missed Momentum: Regional Airports Were on the Rise

Before the pandemic, regional airports were surging:

• Busan’s Gimhae Airport saw record tourist arrivals in 2019.
• Jeju and Daegu were increasing international links, especially to China, Taiwan, and Japan.
• Budget airlines were beginning to base aircraft and crews in secondary cities, supporting economic decentralization. That trajectory is now stalled.

The Path Forward: Can Regional Tourism Be Saved?

Experts say Korean Air must balance profit with national responsibility. As South Korea’s flag carrier and a SkyTeam alliance member, it bears international brand weight and strategic importance in national development.

Here’s what could revive regional tourism:

• Government-supported route guarantees for key regional destinations.
• Tourism promotion campaigns targeting markets like China, Japan, and Singapore.
• Temporary subsidies or tax incentives for airlines reopening regional international routes.
• Strategic collaboration with low-cost carriers (LCCs) like Jin Air and T’way to backfill abandoned routes.

While recovery may take years, Korean Air has an opportunity to rebuild smarter. Supporting regional tourism is not only ethical—it’s economically wise.

A National Conversation That Needs to Take Off

The debate around Korean Air’s flight cuts is more than aviation—it’s about equity, access, and the soul of Korean tourism.

Will South Korea embrace a Seoul-only future, or will it fight for a balanced travel ecosystem that celebrates its diverse landscapes, cultures, and communities?