Turbulent diplomatic relations between South Korea and China have led to South Korean airlines temporarily suspending certain international flights to mainland China. This halt comes in response to what has been labeled as ‘serious diplomatic discourtesy’ pertaining to comments made about Taiwan.
As reported by the Yonhap News Agency, Korean Air Lines is planning to suspend its Gimpo to Beijing service from August 1st until October 28th. The airline has yet to confirm these plans officially. Additionally, Korean Air Lines also plans to stop flights from Gimpo to Xiamen starting October 28th.
Asiana Airlines Follows Suit
Asiana Airlines has also announced its intention to temporarily halt operations. According to Yonhap, flights from Gimpo to Beijing will be discontinued starting July 6th, and a route between Incheon and Shenzhen will be put on hold effective July 8th.
Further, Asiana has already ceased direct services between Incheon and Xian since June 20th. The airline anticipates that many of these services will only resume after October 28th.
The Root of the Issue
The underlying tension between the two countries appears to originate from South Korea denouncing China for its ‘serious diplomatic discourtesy.’ This remark came after a Chinese official criticized recent comments from South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, labeling them as verbal meddling. However, the relationship between these two nations has been tense since China opposed the US deployment of Terminal High Attitude Defense anti-missile systems more than six years ago.
Despite the present diplomatic discord, South Korea’s president asserts that the relationship does not have to deteriorate further. In a statement reported by Yonhap news agency, he said, “The basic stance of the Yoon Suk Yeol government is to advance South Korea-China relations into a mature and healthy one based on mutual respect, reciprocity, and common interest.”
Impact on Air Travel
The suspension of flights between the two countries is believed to be a result of the strained diplomatic relations leading to decreased demand for travel. According to the Korea JoongAng Daily, the number of passengers traveling between South Korea and China in April and May plummeted by over 73.7%, totaling just 402,000 travelers compared to pre-pandemic conditions.
While it’s not unusual for airlines to suspend or cancel services when facing low load factors and suppressed demand, the reason behind this downturn may be linked to the current tense diplomatic relations. The South Korean conservative government’s robust foreign policy, leaning towards pro-US and Japan routes, is likely adding fuel to the fire.
As diplomatic tension between South Korea and China continues to brew, airlines are adjusting their operations in response. The recent move by South Korean airlines to suspend flights to China is a stark reflection of the impact of political issues on international air travel. As both countries continue to navigate these challenges, the hope is for a resolution that will allow for the restoration of services and renewed bilateral relations.
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