Daily flights begin Tuesday, expanding travel options in the Kansai region

An Asiana Airlines A350 aircraft [Asiana Airlines]
An Asiana Airlines A350 aircraft [Asiana Airlines]

Asiana Airlines announced Tuesday it has launched a new route to Kobe, Japan.

The Incheon–Kobe route operates daily, with seven flights per week. Departing Incheon International Airport at noon, the flight arrives at Kobe Airport at 2 p.m.; the return departs Kobe at 3 p.m. and lands at Incheon at 5 p.m. The airline will operate the route with the Airbus A321neo, its next-generation short-haul workhorse.

To mark the inaugural flight, Asiana Airlines held a launch ceremony at the departure hall of Terminal 2 at Incheon International Airport. Passenger Division Head Park Jong-man and Kim Tae-seong, head of hub strategy at Incheon International Airport Corp., were among those in attendance.

Kobe is known for its scenic natural landscapes, cosmopolitan atmosphere and culinary reputation. Arima Onsen, one of the city's signature attractions, ranks among Japan's three oldest hot-spring resorts, while nearby Himeji Castle — the first site in Japan designated a UNESCO World Heritage site — offers visitors a blend of history and relaxation.

"By launching service to the popular destination of Kobe, travelers in the Kansai region can now plan more varied and convenient itineraries," an Asiana Airlines official said. "We will strengthen the competitiveness of our Korea–Japan routes through stable operations and differentiated service on the new Kobe route."

Meanwhile, ahead of the launch of the integrated Korean Air, Asiana Airlines has been carrying out a range of corporate social responsibility initiatives alongside Korean Air, including education-donation volunteer programs for future generations.


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