Seoul-Brisbane direct flights return to mark 30th anniversary
Queensland’s tourism economy has been boosted by today’s permanent return of Korean Air operating flights from Seoul to Brisbane.
Korean Air will fly to Brisbane 5 times a week, with Korean holidaymakers and students set to inject more than $120 million into the Queensland economy each year.
The additional 89,000 inbound seats each year will support an estimated 1,230 direct and indirect jobs in Queensland.
Gert-Jan de Graaff, CEO of Brisbane Airport Corporation said South Korea is an economic powerhouse and Queensland’s third largest trading market as well as being a major technology partner in the state’s new energy economy.
“The return of permanent flights turns the tap back on for large scale South Korean tourism to Queensland and makes it easier for students to study here and their families to visit,” he said.
The return of Korean Air is another boost to the state’s rebounding international travel market.
Just over a year ago, the Queensland Government announced a $200 million post-COVID Attracting Aviation Investment Fund (AAIF) comprising $100 million from the state government matched dollar for dollar by airports, regional tourism organisations and tourism operators.
To date 16 services, including Korean Air, have been announced to receive support from the Fund. These services are estimated to deliver more than 1.18 million inbound international seats, up to $986 million overnight visitor expenditure and support 9,185 Queensland jobs.
Korean Airlines Regional General Manager for Australia Jason Jeong welcomed the return of services.
“We are very pleased to be back in Brisbane, as we prepare to celebrate our 30th anniversary of direct flights from Seoul to Brisbane,” said Mr Jeong.
“We know Queenslanders have missed us from all the comments we have received and I must thank the Queensland Government and Brisbane Airport Corporation who have worked tirelessly to help Korean Air relaunch services to Brisbane.
“Queenslanders will now be able to enjoy Korean Air’s 5 weekly services to Seoul and beyond again.”
Korean Air is one of the world’s largest cargo carriers and the large freight capacity of the Boeing 777 will be welcomed by Queensland’s exporters who send produce to the lucrative Korean market and beyond.
Find out more about our Attracting Aviation Investment Fund.