New Agreement Between South Korea and UAE Opens its Direct Flights from the Gimpo Airport, Boosting Tourism and Economic Growth

Published on November 23, 2025

A milestone in aviation and the tourism sector was reached as the governments of South Korea and UAE have signed an agreement at the International Civil Aviation Organization Air Services Negotiation, ICAN 2025, in the Dominican Republic. This will enable a new “regional airport-only traffic right”, permitting four weekly flights from Gimpo Airport and various regional airports in South Korea to the UAE.

Until now, only two routes between Incheon International Airport and Abu Dhabi were served, so this represents a significant expansion in both frequency and variety for non-stop flights connecting the UAE and South Korea. The additional routes should make this trip much easier to take and increase tourist and business travel between the two nations.

Tourism Impact: Expanding Access and Boosting Visitor Traffic

The establishment of direct flights from Gimpo Airport and regional airports in South Korea to the UAE is poised to have a positive tourism impact for both nations. For South Korean travelers, the new flight routes will provide easier access to the UAE’s world-class tourism destinations, such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah. The UAE’s luxury tourism, cultural experiences, and modern attractions are increasingly popular among South Korean tourists, and this increased connectivity is expected to drive even more visitors to the region.

Similarly, the UAE’s tourism sector stands to benefit from the added convenience of direct flights from South Korea’s regional airports. South Korean travelers are known for their interest in cultural exchange, shopping, and luxury experiences, and the expansion of direct flights will help increase the flow of South Korean tourists to the UAE, particularly those interested in business tourism and leisure travel.

Enhanced Regional Connectivity for Both Countries

The new agreement will also have significant regional tourism benefits for both South Korea and the UAE. Regional airports in South Korea, such as those in Busan, Jeju, and Daegu, will now have direct access to the UAE, enabling better connectivity and making international travel more accessible for local tourists. This increased regional connectivity is expected to reduce travel time and costs for tourists in South Korea’s non-capital regions, making the UAE a more attractive destination for them.

For the UAE, the new flight options will strengthen its position as a gateway to the Middle East and beyond for South Korean travelers, creating opportunities to expand tourism outreach in both business and leisure markets.

Economic Growth and Strengthened Ties Between South Korea and the UAE

The direct flights between South Korea’s regional airports and the UAE are expected to generate significant economic growth for both countries, particularly in the tourism and hospitality industries. Increased air traffic will lead to more tourist spending, benefiting hotels, restaurants, local businesses, and tour operators in both countries. South Korea, with its strong outbound tourism market, stands to increase tourism revenue by providing easier access to a popular and lucrative destination.

Moreover, the agreement is likely to enhance economic ties between South Korea and the UAE, particularly in areas such as trade, investment, and cultural exchange. Direct flights facilitate business travel, improve bilateral relations, and create opportunities for greater collaboration between the two nations across multiple sectors.

A Boost for the UAE’s Tourism Sector

As the UAE continues to recover and expand its tourism offerings, the new routes will support its tourism ambitions. The UAE government has long invested in making the country an international tourism hub, and the new flight routes will help to strengthen the UAE’s position in the global tourism market.

For the UAE, South Korea represents an important source of visitors, particularly for luxury tourism and high-end shopping. This increase in flight frequency allows for more flexible travel options for South Korean visitors, encouraging longer stays and higher spending in the country’s tourist hotspots.

Expanding Opportunities for Business and Leisure Travelers

In addition to its tourism benefits, the new agreement will enhance opportunities for business travelers between South Korea and the UAE. The UAE is a key business hub in the Middle East, and the expanded flight routes provide South Korean companies with direct access to markets across the region.

For leisure travelers, the new routes open up more opportunities for cultural exploration, shopping, and luxury experiences in the UAE. Visitors from South Korea will have the chance to explore not only the bustling cities of Dubai and Abu Dhabi but also the rich cultural heritage and historic sites of the region, creating a more diverse tourism offering.

Sustainability and Future Growth in Tourism

Looking ahead, the new flights are likely to contribute to sustainable tourism development. Both South Korea and the UAE are increasingly focused on promoting responsible tourism practices, and the expanded connectivity can help enhance the balance between tourism growth and environmental preservation. By promoting sustainable travel options and encouraging visits to lesser-known destinations within both countries, the expansion of these flight routes can help ensure that tourism remains a positive force for long-term growth.

Strengthening South Korea-UAE Relations Through Tourism

The new direct flights between Gimpo Airport and regional airports in South Korea and UAE are a game-changer for both tourism markets. With increasing connectivity, accessibility for tourists will improve, allowing easier business and leisure travel. This agreement will create a great tourism impact, which contributes to economic growth and increases international engagement for both nations.

The agreement will not only strengthen the bilateral relations between South Korea and the UAE but also play a major role in shaping the future of tourism in both countries by enabling them to capitalize on new opportunities in the growing global tourism market.