In a significant shift in the aviation landscape of Jeollabuk-do, Eastar Jet has announced the closure of its Gunsan-Jeju route, effectively pulling out of Gunsan Airport. This development comes as a direct consequence of the Jeollabuk-do government's decision to halt financial support for the airline, amidst claims of operational challenges faced by Eastar Jet during the winter season.
On March 18, 2025, the CEO Score Daily reported that Eastar Jet had formally applied to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport to return its landing slots for the Gunsan-Jeju route. The ministry is expected to process this application promptly, further solidifying Eastar's retreat from the region. The airline had previously indicated a commitment to this route, having resumed operations as recently as October 1, 2023, after a brief hiatus.
However, after approximately ten months of attempting to sustain the route, Eastar Jet faced mounting pressures that led to its suspension announcement last summer. On July 29, 2024, the airline communicated its intent to stop operations for the winter season (from October 27, 2024, to March 29, 2025) due to a variety of negative factors including decreased passenger demand and rising costs of operations. Inclement weather and an overall decline in local air travel demand were also cited as contributing factors.
The cessation of support from Jeollabuk-do, which has historically aided airlines operating out of Gunsan Airport with substantial subsidies, marked a pivotal moment for Eastar Jet. The provincial government had previously extended support exceeding 580,000 KRW (approximately $447 USD) per flight in loss compensation, along with an additional 500,000 KRW (approximately $392 USD) for landing fees — a substantial financial relief amounting to billions of KRW annually. Unfortunately for Eastar Jet, this assistance stopped when they withdrew their slot applications, indicating a lack of long-term viability under current operations.
“Local airports find it hard to operate profitably without these subsidies,” stated an official from Eastar Jet. “Our return of slots was an unavoidable decision due to the competitive pressures experienced without financial support.” This commentary underscores the dependency of regional carriers on governmental support to maintain profitability in a challenging marketplace.
In response to Eastar Jet's withdrawal, the Jeollabuk-do government is actively pursuing alternative options and has turned to Jin Air to fill the void left by Eastar Jet. Jin Air has plans to operate the Gunsan-Jeju route twice daily until May 16, 2025, and will then increase service to three flights daily during the summer peak season from May 17 to October 25, 2025.
“We understand the need for sustained air service in the region, and we are collaborating closely with Jin Air to increase flight availability,” explained a representative from Jeollabuk-do. The provincial government signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Jin Air in January 2025 aimed at augmenting the number of flights, thereby addressing potential inconveniences for local residents dependent on air travel.
The narrative surrounding Eastar Jet's exit has not been without controversy. Critics have suggested that the airline might have intentionally engineered its operational difficulties to provide a justification for exiting the Gunsan market entirely. This speculation arose particularly after a report from Jeonju MBC highlighted that Jin Air continued its flights unimpeded during extreme weather conditions, offering a stark contrast to Eastar's operational patterns.
Commenting on the situation, Jeonju MBC noted, “When Eastar Jet halted operations due to weather last year, Jin Air continued operating normally.” Such observations have reignited scrutiny regarding Eastar Jet’s management decisions and potential motivations behind its operational halts, leading some to argue that the airline's repeated inability to maintain consistent service may signify deeper issues within its business model.
Regional stakeholders are increasingly critical of the transitional dynamics as well, wondering whether Eastar Jet’s historical ties to the region — once seen as an emblem of local enterprise — have significantly eroded. The airline had indeed enjoyed considerable local support, bolstered by founder Lee Sang-jik’s political and community ties. However, following a series of management controversies culminations in Lee's arrest, many residents feel estranged from the once-beloved airline.
Local media have reported that Jeollabuk-do and Gunsan have collectively invested upwards of 30 billion KRW in landing fees and over 26 billion KRW in loss compensation to keep airlines operational in the region over the past decade, yet persistent departures from the market raise critical questions about sustainability and the future of air service in this area.
“Despite substantial financial backing for regional airlines, we continue to see departures,” pointed out an editorial in Jeonbuk Ilbo. The same editorial advocated for an urgent reassessment of both the governmental strategies and the operational viability of airlines, recommending strategic adjustments to enhance the local air service ecosystem.
Looking forward, resilience in regional air travel remains uncertain. The upcoming summer tourist season will test Jin Air’s capacity to meet local demand effectively in response to Eastar Jet's closure.
As Eastar Jet takes definitive steps away from Gunsan, the call for strategic measures to stabilize air travel in Jeollabuk-do grows increasingly urgent, especially among locals who once viewed the airline as a pillar of regional connectivity. The overarching challenge remains for local government and airlines alike: how to foster a sustainable aviation environment that caters to community needs while navigating the unpredictable currents of market dynamics.
