Air Premia, a South Korean airline, is expanding its international offerings with the launch of a new direct route between Cheongju, South Korea, and Qingdao, China. This exciting development is set to begin on May 26, 2025, and comes in response to the growing demand for direct flights to Qingdao, which is currently only accessible from Incheon and Busan.
The airline's decision to introduce this new route reflects its confidence in the significant demand for air travel between Cheongju and Qingdao. With the existing flights only operating from the larger cities, Air Premia aims to tap into the potential market that has been underserved. "We believe there is high demand for direct flights to Qingdao, China, as they currently only operate from Incheon and Busan," a spokesperson for Air Premia stated.
In addition to the new Cheongju-Qingdao route, Air Premia is also exploring further expansion into other regions in China, including Chengdu and Ordos. This strategic move indicates the airline's ambition to broaden its international presence and offer more travel options for its customers.
Meanwhile, Air Premia has already made strides in its international flight offerings with the recent launch of the Cheongju-Fukuoka route on May 2, 2025. This route operates five times a week and recorded a full load of 180 seats on its inaugural flight, marking a successful start. The airline plans to expand this route to daily flights starting May 15, 2025.
The Cheongju-Fukuoka route is significant as it represents the first new international service added to Fukuoka International Airport since the COVID-19 pandemic. The flight departs Cheongju at 6:35 AM, arriving in Fukuoka at 8:30 AM, with the return flight leaving Fukuoka at 8:30 AM and arriving back in Cheongju at 10:00 AM.
Air Premia currently operates nine international routes from Cheongju International Airport. The addition of the new flights to Ibaraki on May 15, 2025, and Obihiro on May 21, 2025, further illustrates the airline's commitment to enhancing connectivity for travelers in the region. These routes will complement the new Qingdao service, creating even more options for those looking to travel internationally.
This expansion comes at a time when the airline industry is gradually recovering from the impacts of the pandemic, with increasing passenger demand for international travel. As more routes are added, Air Premia is positioning itself as a key player in the regional aviation market.
Overall, Air Premia's new route to Qingdao and its expansion into other Chinese cities signify a robust growth strategy aimed at meeting the needs of travelers and capitalizing on the rising demand for air travel. With the airline's focus on providing direct flights from Cheongju, passengers can look forward to more convenient travel options in the near future.
