‘International tourism does not land’ effective in pandemic

According to the Vietnam News Agency reporter in Seoul, the Korean Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MOLIT), on April 22, the ‘International tourism does not land’ flight product of Kimchi Country showed the high efficiency. Therefore, the 7 domestic Korean airlines will increase the number of flights of this type from 19 flights in April to a total of 56 flights from next May, an increase of 194%.

Korean Air and Asiana Airlines aircraft at Incheon International Airport, South Korea. Photo: Yonhap / TTXVN The “Non-Landing International Tourism” service started trial operation in December 2020 and was initially only conducted at Incheon International Airport. However, starting next May, the project is approved to expand operations at other international airports such as Gimpo, Daegu and Gimhae. This is also considered as a plan to help domestic airlines expand supply in the context of increased demand because visitors participating in this travel package can make duty-free shopping similar to foreign tourists. often. It is expected that in next May, 7 Korean domestic airlines will declare another 23 flights at Incheon International Airport, 18 flights at Gimpo International Airport, 13 flights at Gimhae International Airport and 2 flights. at Daegu International Airport. MOLIT data also shows that as of March, domestic airlines have deployed a total of 75 flights, receiving more than 8,000 passengers. The number of “International Non-Landing Travel” flights was cut in January due to a recurring outbreak of COVID-19 but has recently been reopened. The proportion of passengers attending this type in December 2020 reached 49%, then exceeded expectations at 73.5% in the following months. Revenue (from ticket sales only) is estimated to range from 20 million won (17,905 USD) to 98.2 million won (87,930 USD) / trip. According to MOLIT, when using this service, passengers do not need to go through the immigration / immigration process. The plane will fly over the airspace of another country without landing in that country and back to South Korea. Passengers traveling on the plane will be eligible for tax-free purchases like regular tourists, which means each person can buy duty-free goods under $ 600 (maximum 1 liter of wine, 200 cigarettes, 1 bottle of perfume). However, passengers will have to book a ticket in advance, when getting on and off the plane must go through a private path and only use the provided transport vehicle. Passengers are required to wear a mask during the journey and do not have to quarantine themselves after returning to Korea.