New non-stop flights to South Korea take off from Victoria

In a boost for state-wide tourism and trade, new Asiana Airlines flights between South Korea and Victoria are taking off, thanks to support from the Victorian Government and Melbourne Airport.

New seasonal flights between Melbourne Airport and Seoul Incheon International Airport will operate 4 times per week between July and September 2024. These are the only non-stop flights between the 2 airports.

The Asiana flights will secure better connections with one of Victoria’s leading markets in tourism, investment and international students – generating a $3.8 million boost to the state’s economy.

Victoria’s two-way trade with South Korea totalled $5.9 billion in 2023 and is set to grow with the introduction of these seasonal flights. Asiana’s chosen Airbus A350 provides an increase of 360 tonnes in freight capacity – boosting export opportunities to South Korea for Victoria’s high-quality goods and services, including emerging technologies and wellness products.

These flights will boost travel for both business and pleasure. More than 40,000 people travelled between South Korea and Victoria in 2023, which is set to increase with the introduction of these flights with Asiana Airlines.

Victoria’s visitor economy continues to thrive with Melbourne becoming Australia’s first capital city airport to exceed pre-pandemic international capacity in December 2023. Global travellers generated $6.4 billion in tourism expenditure across the state last year.