Jeju Air (089590.KS) is launching a new route connecting Busan with Manila, the Philippines.
The carrier said on the 13th that it will begin flying the Busan-Manila route five times a week — on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays — starting Dec. 17.
The outbound flight departs Gimhae International Airport at 9:30 p.m. and arrives at Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila at 12:45 a.m. the following day. The return flight leaves Manila at 1:45 a.m. and lands at Gimhae at 7:20 a.m.
Jeju Air aims to secure a wider range of passenger demand, including foreign travelers, by strengthening its international network out of Busan. Data from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport's air portal system showed the airline carried 1.29 million international passengers from Busan in the first nine months of this year, up 13% from 1.14 million a year earlier. The carrier currently operates 14 international routes from Busan, serving Japan, Greater China and other destinations, a number that will rise to 15 once the Manila service begins.
Manila, the Philippine capital, is a major tourist destination with warm weather year-round, known for Spanish colonial-era streets and fortifications including Intramuros, San Agustin Church and Fort Santiago.
"Busan has become so popular with foreign tourists that a new word, 'Busan fever,' has emerged, so we also expect inbound demand to grow as direct international routes to the city expand," a Jeju Air official said. "We will improve convenience for travelers and strengthen our global competitiveness through route development and flexible operations that take into account travel demand in Busan and other regions across the country."