International Flight Passengers Rise 10% in 2023 Despite Oil Price Hikes
South Korea sees a 10% increase in international flight passengers this year, signaling a travel sector recovery.
South Korea sees a 10% increase in international flight passengers this year, signaling a travel sector recovery.
Despite rising oil prices, the number of international flight passengers in South Korea surged by approximately 10% this year.
From January to August, around 68.44 million people used international flights, marking a 9.8% increase compared to the previous year, according to data from the transportation ministry.
Experts attribute this growth to various factors, including the weakened yen and China's visa-free policy for South Korean travelers, which have significantly boosted demand for flights to Japan and China.
Incheon International Airport, South Korea's primary gateway, also reported an increase in transit travelers amid ongoing conflicts in the Middle East.
Notably, flights between South Korea and Japan saw a remarkable 20.3% rise in passenger numbers, while routes to China experienced a 23% increase. However, flights to Southeast Asian countries faced declines, with Vietnam and the Philippines reporting drops of 5.1% and 13.7%, respectively.
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