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Beijing Joins Chongqing, Chengdu, Tianjin, Nanjing, Dalian, And More As Asiana Airlines Unleashes Massive Flight Expansion Amid Surge In South Korea-China Travel Demand And New Visa-Free Entry Policies
Beijing joins Chongqing, Chengdu, Tianjin, Nanjing, Dalian, and more cities as Asiana Airlines unleashes a massive flight expansion to meet the surge in South Korea-China travel demand. This growth is driven by the extension of China’s visa-free entry policy for South Korean nationals, which has spurred an increase in both leisure and business travel. With 28 new weekly flights starting from March 29, 2026, Asiana is strengthening its network to support the growing demand and enhance connectivity between key cities, positioning itself to capitalize on the booming travel sector between the two nations.
Asiana Airlines is making significant strides in its expansion across China, with the announcement of 28 new weekly flights starting from March 29, 2026. This marks a 20% increase compared to the winter schedule, reflecting the strong rebound in cross-border travel. The decision comes as demand for travel between South Korea and China has surged, bolstered by the extension of visa-free entry for South Korean nationals and a broader recovery in international tourism.
Strengthening Connectivity Between South Korea and China
This expansion will significantly improve connectivity between South Korea’s capital, Seoul, and major cities in China. Asiana Airlines plans to operate a total of 161 weekly flights across 18 routes to China, further reinforcing Incheon International Airport’s role as a critical hub for Northeast Asia. This is an essential development in the airline’s effort to meet the growing demand for both business and leisure travel between the two countries.
Beijing, the capital city of China, has seen a major increase in flights, with Asiana Airlines adding new services to the route. The airline will operate 20 weekly flights between Incheon and Beijing, up from the previous 17. This change reflects the heightened demand from passengers traveling for business, leisure, and cultural tourism. Similarly, flights between Incheon and Dalian will see an increase of three additional afternoon services, bringing the weekly total to 10.
Key Route Expansions
As part of the expanded network, Asiana Airlines will also resume daily flights on previously suspended routes to Chengdu and Chongqing, both of which were suspended during the winter season. Both routes will be serviced by the Airbus A321neo, a 188-seat aircraft known for its fuel efficiency and environmental benefits. These flights cater to growing numbers of leisure travelers, many of whom are visiting for the cities’ cultural experiences, regional attractions, and gastronomy.
In addition to these popular routes, Asiana Airlines will introduce increased flight frequencies to Tianjin and Nanjing, two cities that have experienced significant growth in both business and tourism travel. The airline will raise the frequency on Tianjin (TSN) from three weekly services to a more robust schedule. Meanwhile, Nanjing (NKG) will see a similar increase, responding to the growing demand for business-related travel to the city. Both of these routes are becoming more integral to regional connectivity between China and South Korea.
Visa-Free Entry Policy and Its Impact
One of the major drivers behind this surge in demand is China’s extension of the visa-free entry policy for South Korean nationals, which is set to remain in place through the end of 2026. This policy allows for South Koreans to travel to China without needing a visa, a significant boon for both leisure and business travelers.
The extended visa-free policy has already contributed to increased outbound travel from South Korea, with more citizens taking advantage of the ability to travel more freely to popular destinations in China. Additionally, the visa exemption has encouraged a rise in inbound travel to South Korea from Chinese nationals, many of whom are eager to visit for shopping, entertainment, and to experience the latest trends in Korean popular culture.
Growing Demand for Regional Tourism
Asiana Airlines is keen to tap into the growing trend of regional tourism. For instance, Chengdu and Chongqing have become particularly attractive destinations for South Korean travelers. These cities are known for their rich cultural history, local cuisine, and the famous Giant Panda Breeding Research Base in Chengdu. The increasing interest in these destinations has led to consistent improvements in load factors, which is a sign of strong demand for flights.
In addition to the growing leisure travel, these flights also cater to a significant number of visitors coming to South Korea to see family and friends. This demographic has continued to drive demand on certain routes, such as the Incheon–Yanji (YNJ) route, which will also see an increase in services later in the spring. From May 8, 2026, the number of weekly flights on this route will increase from seven to eight, reflecting steady growth in visiting friends and relatives (VFR) traffic.
Expanding Sales Presence in China
To further support this expansion, Asiana Airlines has expanded its sales presence in China, making it easier for travelers to book flights. The airline has officially partnered with Ctrip, China’s largest online travel agency, to provide a direct sales channel for Chinese consumers. This partnership is expected to boost the airline’s profile in the Chinese market and increase the ease with which Chinese travelers can book flights to South Korea.
Moreover, Asiana Airlines has leveraged digital platforms such as Fliggy, owned by Alibaba, to promote its services. During the Singles’ Day period in November 2025, the airline conducted promotional campaigns aimed at boosting sales, particularly targeting Chinese tourists traveling to South Korea. By embracing these innovative sales and marketing strategies, Asiana Airlines is positioning itself to take full advantage of the expanding travel demand.
Long-Term Goals and Future Outlook
Asiana Airlines has made it clear that this expansion is just the beginning of a broader strategy to strengthen its presence in the China-South Korea market. The airline aims to continue growing its network in the coming years to support not only tourism but also business and cultural exchange between the two countries. The airline views network growth as a key factor in long-term sustainability, both in terms of revenue generation and brand loyalty.
By increasing its presence in China and providing more flight options, Asiana Airlines hopes to encourage further tourism development and economic exchange. With the continued easing of travel restrictions and a robust economic recovery, the airline anticipates that demand will only continue to rise.
The Future of South Korea-China Air Travel
As travel demand between South Korea and China continues to grow, Asiana Airlines is well-positioned to play a pivotal role in facilitating the movement of passengers between these two major East Asian economies. With a comprehensive and expanding network, the airline is set to benefit from the boom in both inbound and outbound travel. Furthermore, the airline’s commitment to sustainability through the use of fuel-efficient aircraft ensures that it will remain a key player in the long term, meeting the needs of travelers while minimizing its environmental impact.
The extension of visa-free entry between South Korea and China further accelerates this growth, creating a promising future for air travel between the two nations. As Asiana Airlines continues to refine its offerings and increase its flight frequencies, it is set to further solidify its reputation as a leader in the region’s aviation industry.
Beijing joins Chongqing, Chengdu, Tianjin, Nanjing, Dalian, and more as Asiana Airlines expands its flight network in response to the surge in South Korea-China travel demand, fueled by China’s extension of visa-free entry for South Korean nationals. This expansion aims to strengthen connectivity and meet the rising demand for both business and leisure travel.
This expansion marks a significant step forward for Asiana Airlines and sets the stage for continued growth in the China-South Korea travel corridor. As the global travel landscape continues to recover, Asiana Airlines will undoubtedly remain a key player in driving connectivity, economic exchange, and cultural exchange between these two important nations.
