Air New Zealand has announced the return of its seasonal direct service between Auckland and Seoul, set to recommence on 28 October 2024.
Leanne Geraghty, Air New Zealand’s Chief Customer and Sales Officer, shared details of the service while on a business delegation to South Korea this week.
The seasonal route will operate until 29 March 2025, offering more than 130 flights between the two countries.
“Korea continues to be an important market for us so it’s fantastic to return to Seoul from next month. With three flights a week between the cities on our 787 Dreamliner there will be nearly 40,000 seats on offer for customers over five months,” Ms Geraghty said.
She noted the route’s significance for cargo services, with over 2,000 tonnes of cargo transported between the cities in the same period last year.
To celebrate the route’s return, Air New Zealand is offering sale fares for New Zealand customers travelling to Korea, starting from $699 one way. The sale runs until 30 September 2024, unless sold out prior.
Ms Geraghty highlighted Seoul’s appeal as a destination, noting its blend of modern technology and rich history.
“Seoul is an amazing destination for Kiwis to explore. It is modern and tech-savvy, and boasts a rich history with palaces, village-style neighbourhoods and traditions that reach back hundreds of years,” she said.
The airline expects strong demand from Korean travellers, with about 60 percent of passengers on the route last year coming from Korea.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon emphasised the importance of the Korean market for New Zealand’s tourism and trade sectors.
“Korea is an important inbound tourism and trade market for Aotearoa. In the year ending June 2024, 70,000 arrivals came from Korea, making it the sixth-largest visitor market,” Mr Luxon said.
The seasonal service will operate three times a week between Auckland and Seoul using Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft.
