South Korean airlines experienced a significant surge in passenger numbers during the first half of 2024, with a 29% increase compared to the same period in 2023. According to data released by the Korean government and reported by The Korea Times, the ten airlines based in South Korea carried a combined total of 47.56 million passengers over the past six months, up from 36.83 million passengers in H1 2023.
Of these passengers, 18.15 million traveled on domestic routes while 29.51 million flew internationally. This represents a 12% increase in domestic travel and a substantial 43% rise in international travel compared to the previous year.
The growth in passenger numbers is largely attributed to low-cost carriers expanding their services to regional destinations within Southeast Asia. Projections indicate that passenger numbers could exceed 100 million by the end of 2024, surpassing the pre-pandemic record of 93.47 million.
Korean Air remains the largest carrier among South Korea’s two full-service network carriers (FSNCs), which also include Asiana Airlines. Korean Air reported strong financial performance earlier this year, with a 20% year-on-year increase in revenue and a 5% rise in profits. The airline has nearly restored its network capacity to pre-pandemic levels, except for routes to China.
In recent weeks, Korean Air has increased its capacity for London Heathrow by switching from Boeing 777-300ER operations to larger Boeing 747-8 services, boosting capacity on that route by 33%.
A key development on Korean Air’s agenda is its potential acquisition of Asiana Airlines. This merger has been under discussion for years and would result in one of the world’s largest airlines if completed. However, it still requires approval from the US Department of Justice (DoJ) due to concerns about reduced competition on routes between Seoul Incheon International Airport and the US.
Should the merger proceed, it is likely that Korean Air will need to reduce certain services to allow US-based carriers like United Airlines to replace them, given that United would lose its Star Alliance partner Asiana if the acquisition occurs.
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