South Korea Set to Resume Incheon–Jeju Flights in April 2026, Aiming to Transform Regional Travel, Skyrocket Tourism, and Strengthen Jeju’s Global Connectivity

Published on February 27, 2026

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South Korea is set to resume direct flights between Incheon and Jeju after a 10-year hiatus, a move driven by the surge in post-pandemic travel demand and the growing need for greater regional connectivity. The decision to restart this route, which was suspended in 2016 due to low demand and financial losses, comes as part of a broader strategy by the South Korean government to boost both domestic and international tourism, improve access to Jeju Island, and foster economic growth in the region. With the direct flight set to begin in April 2026, the resumption promises to significantly enhance travel convenience for both foreign tourists and South Korean residents, making Jeju more accessible and supporting the local economy.

South Korea is on the verge of a significant transformation in its domestic travel landscape, as the long-awaited resumption of direct flights between Incheon International Airport and Jeju Island is set to begin as early as April 2026. This move marks the first time in a decade that the Incheon–Jeju route will be operational again, after a suspension that began in October 2016.

The decision to revive this direct route comes in the wake of soaring travel demand, particularly in the post-pandemic era, and represents a strategic effort by the South Korean government to bolster tourism and regional connectivity. Let’s take a closer look at how this move will reshape travel across South Korea, enhance tourism, and make Jeju Island more accessible to travelers worldwide.

A Long-Awaited Return: Incheon–Jeju Direct Flights

When the Incheon–Jeju direct flight route was first established after the opening of Incheon International Airport in 2001, it quickly became a staple for both domestic travelers and international visitors arriving through the airport. However, over the years, the route faced challenges due to lower demand compared to the more established Gimpo–Jeju route — the direct flight from Gimpo International Airport (Seoul) to Jeju Island. The route was scaled down in stages, and by October 2016, it was fully suspended due to low occupancy rates and the chronic deficits that plagued its operations.

But with the COVID-19 pandemic behind us, global travel demand has surged, especially for popular destinations like Jeju Island. The South Korean Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport (MOLIT) has responded to these changes by working closely with airlines to revive the route, with plans to resume operations in April 2026. This direct flight will make it much easier for both foreign tourists and South Korean residents to travel to Jeju, bypassing the need for a layover in Seoul’s Gimpo Airport.

The Expansion of Direct Flights: A Phased Approach

The Incheon–Jeju flight is just the first phase of a broader plan aimed at enhancing domestic air connectivity within South Korea. According to official announcements, the Jeju route will kick off in the second quarter of 2026, followed by the launch of the Gimhae route in the third quarter. Officials have already initiated discussions about expanding direct flight options between Incheon and other regional airports, targeting the fourth quarter of 2026.

This phased approach aligns with South Korea’s long-term vision of spreading out travel traffic across various regions, thereby not only benefiting Jeju Island, but also improving travel accessibility for regions such as Gimhae (located near Busan), Gwangju, and Daegu. With these expansions, international tourists flying into Incheon International Airport will be able to seamlessly travel to South Korea’s lesser-known destinations.

Why Jeju Island?

Jeju Island, often called South Korea’s “honeymoon island”, has always been a popular destination for both domestic and international tourists. Known for its stunning natural beauty, including volcanic landscapes, waterfalls, and beaches, Jeju has become a prime location for vacationers, with over 15 million visitors annually, a number that continues to grow. Foreign tourists, particularly from nearby China, Japan, and Southeast Asia, flock to the island for its relaxed atmosphere and breathtaking sights.

Before the suspension of the Incheon–Jeju direct flight in 2016, Jeju was mainly accessible by flying from Gimpo. However, Jeju’s appeal is not only growing with international tourists but also with residents of the Incheon and Gyeonggi Province areas, particularly the northwestern regions. The direct flight route will make travel for both residents and tourists much more convenient, significantly reducing travel time.

What Does This Mean for Tourists and Residents?

The resumption of this route will have far-reaching effects for both international visitors and domestic travelers. Foreign tourists who arrive at Incheon International Airport — one of the busiest airports in the world — will now have direct access to Jeju, without the need to make a layover in Gimpo, thus simplifying their travel plans. This new direct connection will also reduce overall travel time, making Jeju a more convenient destination for tourists from across the globe.

For South Korean residents, particularly those in Incheon and the northwestern Gyeonggi Province, the route is a major win. Jeju residents will also benefit greatly from easier international connections through Incheon, particularly as Jeju is a popular hub for domestic flights but has limited direct international routes. The added direct access to Incheon will allow locals to travel abroad more quickly, with improved connections to international flights.

Enhancing Tourism: A Win for Local Economy

The direct Incheon–Jeju flight is expected to have a substantial impact on Jeju’s tourism industry. With the resumption of this route, Jeju Island is set to see a significant boost in international tourism. Additionally, local businesses, including hotels, restaurants, and attractions, will experience a surge in customers, further stimulating the local economy.

Increased international connections will not only benefit the tourism sector, but also Jeju’s international schools and foreign student base. The improved accessibility to Jeju will make the island more attractive to expats and international families, boosting its reputation as an educational and expatriate hub.

What’s Next for Jeju?

In addition to the direct flight from Incheon to Jeju, Jeju Province is considering revisions to its international flight support policies. Specifically, officials are exploring the possibility of updating the “Jeju Province International Air Route and International Maritime Passenger Transport Route Expansion Support Ordinance” to provide subsidies or tourism funds to offset the operating costs of the flights. This support would ensure that Jeju’s direct flight routes can remain viable and financially sustainable.

With an eye toward economic sustainability, the Jeju government is also considering further strategies to encourage year-round tourism. Officials are looking to expand international routes from Jeju Island to more global destinations, further establishing the island as a global tourism hub. The Jeju Airport is also slated for upgrades to accommodate this increasing demand.

The Future of South Korea’s Air Connectivity

The resumption of direct flights between Incheon and Jeju is part of a much larger initiative aimed at expanding South Korea’s regional air travel capacity. As the pandemic’s impact continues to fade, airlines are keen to ramp up domestic routes to keep pace with growing tourism demand. The revival of this route shows how aviation trends are rapidly shifting, with low-cost carriers (LCCs) playing a crucial role in making travel affordable and accessible for all.

South Korea is resuming direct flights between Incheon and Jeju after a 10-year hiatus, driven by the post-pandemic surge in travel demand and the need to enhance regional connectivity. This move is aimed at boosting tourism, improving access to Jeju Island, and supporting economic growth across the region.

It’s clear that this resumed flight route will have a lasting impact on South Korea’s aviation landscape, opening the door for more efficient, convenient, and affordable travel for both residents and tourists alike. The enhanced connectivity will not only strengthen Jeju Island’s position as a top-tier destination but also pave the way for greater economic growth across the country. With Jeju now just a direct flight away from Incheon, the future of South Korean tourism looks brighter than ever.