Jin Air employees pose for a photo at the inaugural ceremony for the Incheon-Kobe route. [Jin Air]
Jin Air employees pose for a photo at the inaugural ceremony for the Incheon-Kobe route. [Jin Air]

Jin Air held an inaugural ceremony Friday for its new Incheon-Kobe route at Terminal 2 of Incheon International Airport, the airline announced.

The route operates once daily on a Boeing 737 with 189 seats. The outbound flight departs Incheon at 1:30 p.m. and arrives in Kobe at 3:30 p.m., while the return flight leaves Kobe at 4:30 p.m. and lands at Incheon at 6:30 p.m. Flight time is approximately two hours.

Travelers heading to Kobe previously had to fly into Osaka and then spend more than an hour on a train or bus to reach the city. The new direct service significantly cuts both travel time and cost, allowing for a more relaxed and efficient itinerary.

Kobe draws visitors with its exotic atmosphere of Western-style architecture and a vibrant food scene. Travelers can stroll through Kitano Ijinkan, a historic street lined with buildings from the city's open-port era, take in the coastal night views at Meriken Park, or unwind at Arima Onsen, one of Japan's three premier hot spring resorts.

The Kobe area is also regarded as one of Japan's premier golf destinations, home to a concentration of well-maintained, prestigious courses. Most major courses are within about 30 to 40 minutes by car from Kobe Airport and the city center, making for a comfortable round without the fatigue of a long commute.

Jin Air will offer all passengers on the Incheon-Kobe route 15 kilograms of free checked baggage as a standard benefit across all fare classes. Travelers carrying bulky golf bags or heavy shopping hauls can board without worrying about extra baggage fees.

"The launch of the direct Kobe service will enrich multi-city travel connecting major destinations such as Osaka and Kyoto, as well as themed trips centered on golf, dining and hot springs," a Jin Air official said. "We will deliver a special travel experience to our customers through distinctive routes and safe service."

Meanwhile, Jin Air is actively expanding its network to improve passenger convenience. Starting Sept. 17, the airline will launch twice-weekly service to Yichang, a city in China's Hubei Province known for its history and culture.


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