South Korean Airlines Capture Japan Travel Market with an Unmatched 92 Percent Share in 2024: New Report You Need To Know

Published on December 26, 2024

Korean air are soaring to new heights, capturing an extraordinary 92% of the flight capacity between South Korea and Japan. This achievement, highlighted in Cirium’s December 2024 report, showcases the deep travel connections between the two nations, with 1.3 million scheduled seats linking these vital neighbors.

Japanese Airlines Face an Uphill Battle

While South Korean carriers dominate the skies, Japanese airlines, including Peach Aviation, ANA, and Japan Airlines, hold a mere 7% share. Ethiopian Airlines rounds out the market, leveraging its fifth-freedom rights to operate a niche route between Incheon (ICN) and Tokyo Narita (NRT). Of the 16 airlines flying these routes, 10 hail from South Korea, reinforcing the country’s significant influence.

Controlling the Routes

The extent of South Korea’s dominance is undeniable. South Korean airlines operate 46 of the 50 routes between the two nations, leaving limited opportunities for competitors. Even on major routes like Incheon-Narita, Gimpo-Haneda, and Incheon-Kansai, South Korean carriers control up to 90% of the market share, led by heavyweights like Korean Air, Asiana Airlines, and Jeju Air.

Transforming the Market with a Historic Merger

The South Korean aviation landscape is set for a major transformation as Korean Air and Asiana Airlines move forward with their highly anticipated merger. The combined airline will oversee 32% of the total seat capacity on Japan routes, with over 830,000 seats. Factoring in subsidiaries such as Jin Air, Air Busan, and Air Seoul, the group’s market share will skyrocket to 60%.

The merger will also reshape South Korea’s domestic aviation sector, consolidating 10 carriers into just 7. It marks a bold step toward creating a more efficient and globally competitive airline industry, with the new entity controlling nearly half of South Korea’s total international seat capacity.

The Role of Foreign Airlines

Despite the overwhelming presence of South Korean carriers, international airlines remain a critical part of the aviation landscape. With 75 foreign airlines currently operating in South Korea, authorities are working to ensure that the market remains diverse and competitive. Leading carriers from Vietnam and China already command small but meaningful shares, highlighting the importance of fostering a balanced ecosystem.

Expanding Beyond Japan

The dominance of South Korean airlines on Japan routes is just the beginning. The merger between Korean Air and Asiana Airlines is expected to lay the groundwork for global expansion, positioning the nation as a major player in the global aviation industry. By streamlining operations, increasing capacity, and enhancing services, South Korea aims to cement its place as a top 10 global aviation market.

Building a Balanced Future

While the future looks bright for South Korean airlines, maintaining a balanced and competitive market will be key to long-term success. Encouraging foreign carriers to expand their presence will not only benefit the industry but also travelers seeking diverse options and competitive pricing.

South Korea’s aviation sector is on the rise, driven by bold strategies and a vision for global leadership. As the industry grows, it will continue to play a vital role in connecting people, businesses, and cultures—one flight at a time.