Vancouver International Airport (YVR) now has the distinction of being the first airport in North America to welcome regular flights from Seoul via South Korea’s T’way Air.
The service launched on Saturday, 12th July, connects Vancouver to Seoul via the Incheon International Airport and further puts YVR in top form as the North American gateway of choice to the Asia-Pacific.
Flights with T'way from Vancouver to Seoul are scheduled to depart YVR at 5:25 pm local time arriving at ICN the next day at 9:35pm local time.
T'way operates this route using an Airbus 330-300 aircraft, offering 347 seats, including lie-flat options in its Business Saver class, moving approximately 2,700 passengers weekly.
Strengthening ties
Speaking at the launch of the service, British Columbia premier David Eby pointed out the Canadian province’s long-standing ties with South Korea, citing how it has become home to one of North America’s largest Korean communities.
Eby said: "This affordable direct flight will allow people to stay connected with friends and family across the Pacific and also means that it will be faster and easier to do business with our fourth largest trading partner, strengthening the economic ties between us during a time of global uncertainty."
YVR president Tamara Vrooman added that the new service to South Korea covers more than just travel convenience, but also represents a strategic investment in connectivity, trade, and Canada's place in the global economy,.
Vrooman declared: "YVR is excited to further expand our ability to connect Canada with the world, to support industry and families, attract investment, and to further build resilience in supply chains."
T’way Air chief executive Sang Yoon Lee likewise remarked: "The launch of our Vancouver–Incheon route represents more than just a new destination: it's a meaningful bridge connecting people, cultures, and economic opportunity. As the first Korean low-cost carrier to serve Canada, we're excited to welcome onboard travellers to Korea while continuing to deliver reliable service."
More flexibility and convenience
The new T'way service provides the community with even more flexibility and convenience when travelling to South Korea and connections across Asia, but the benefits of this new service go beyond passengers alone.
An additional air connection provides increased cargo capacity to further diversify trading markets and get British Columbian and Canadian products to consumers in Asia and around the world.
2024 was a record-breaking year for cargo out of YVR with more than 339,000 tonnes of goods shipped through the airport and South Korea is YVR's number two air export destination.
Prior to the flight departing for its inaugural 11-hour journey, Elders from Musqueam, joined by Musqueam Councillor Morgan Guerin, helped send passengers on their journey in a good way with traditional songs and hands raised.
Since 2017, this relationship has been guided by the Musqueam-YVR Sustainability & Friendship Agreement, a 30-year commitment built on respect, reconciliation, and shared prosperity.
