Asia is back – first direct flights to South Korea since pandemic due to begin

“This is long hoped for and most gratifying. Asia has been a market we have truly hoped would return, especially given the potential for tourism as well as the significant export opportunities it represents for Norway,” says Ulv Elbirk, Director of Traffic Development for Asian and American routes.

Air Premia is a Korean airline start-up and will operate charter flights between Oslo Airport (OSL) and Seoul (ICN) every Thursday from 11 May until 17 August. Flights will be operated by a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner.

Passengers will initially be exclusively South Korean tourists. 

Crucial to Norwegian businesses and tourism industry

The fact that South Korea will have direct flights to Oslo Airport for the first time since 2019 is a massive boost to the Norwegian tourism sector.

“South Korea is a market in which there are many people keen to visit Norway. This in turn generates real value for businesses in the form of accommodation, retail, restaurant visits and cultural experiences,” says Elbirk.

He also highlights that Norwegian exports will benefit from routes like this since Asia is a key market, especially for the Norwegian seafood sector.

“These aircraft will also be carrying Norwegian seafood bound for restaurants and retailers in Seoul. This is a critical and almost inexhaustible market for Norway,” Elbirk concludes.