Korean airline Air Premia is set to launch a new route connecting Incheon and Washington D.C., with flights commencing on 24 April 2026. This marks the first time in 31 years that a Korean carrier has introduced a service to Washington D.C., a market with historically limited capacity. The new route will operate four times a week, enhancing travel options for both leisure and business passengers.
The addition of Washington D.C. strengthens Air Premia's presence in North America, making it the airline's fourth US mainland route following Los Angeles, New York, and San Francisco. Currently, five out of Air Premia's nine routes serve North America, underscoring its focus as a US-centred hybrid carrier.
Washington D.C. is a hub for the US federal government, international organisations, and research institutions, generating steady demand from public sector, diplomatic, and business travellers. The new service is expected to increase capacity and offer more competitive fares, providing travellers with greater flexibility and convenience.
According to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport's Air Transport Information Portal, 175,273 passengers travelled this route in 2024, with 158,760 recorded through November this year. The new schedule will see flights departing Incheon International Airport every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday at 10:05 am, arriving in Washington at 10:50 am local time. Return flights will leave Washington at 1:20 pm, arriving in Incheon at 5:45 pm the following day.
Tickets for the new route will be available from 15 December, with schedules subject to government approval. An Air Premia spokesperson highlighted the strategic importance of the Washington D.C. route, emphasising the airline's commitment to expanding its North American network and enhancing travel options for passengers.
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