Korea's only nonstop service — now expanding to Busan

A Jin Air Boeing 737-800. [Courtesy of Jin Air]
A Jin Air Boeing 737-800. [Courtesy of Jin Air]

Jin Air said Sunday that its Incheon-Miyakojima route has surpassed 160,000 cumulative passengers in the two years since the service launched.

The route is the only nonstop service between South Korea and Miyakojima operated by a domestic carrier. Before it launched, travelers had to connect through Okinawa or other stops. The direct link has sharply improved convenience, driving demand particularly among Free Independent Travel customers and solo travelers.

International passenger traffic at Miyakojima's Shimoji Island Airport grew roughly 60 percent last year compared with the previous year, with total passengers exceeding 512,000. Miyakojima has drawn growing attention as a premium Japanese resort destination, offering emerald beaches alongside golf, diving and other water sports.

To meet rising demand, Jin Air launched a Busan-Miyakojima service in April, extending access to travelers from the Yeongnam region as well as Greater Seoul.

"Thanks to the customers who have supported our exclusive nonstop Incheon-Miyakojima route, we were able to reach the milestone of 160,000 cumulative passengers," a Jin Air official said. "We will continue to expand tailored benefits and services based on ongoing market analysis."

To mark the second anniversary of the route, Jin Air is running a promotional partnership through June 30 with Shigira Seven Miles Resort Group, the largest resort chain on the island.

The promotion covers six properties, including the luxury hotels Shigira Mirage, Allamanda Splendid, Breezbay Marina and Wellness Villa Brisa. Passengers on Jin Air's Incheon and Busan flights to Miyakojima can receive a 10 percent discount at resort restaurants, gift shops and other facilities by presenting a paper or mobile boarding pass.


eyre@heraldcorp.com