Amid the ongoing situation in the Middle East and fuel supply concerns, South Korean budget carrier T'way Air will be temporarily suspending its flights between Seoul and Saipan from May 5.
Amid the ongoing situation in the Middle East and fuel supply concerns, South Korean budget carrier T'way Air will be temporarily suspending its flights between Seoul and Saipan from May 5.
In a statement from the Marianas Visitors Authority (MVA), the agency received an official notification from T'way about its decision to suspend its Seoul Incheon-Saipan route covering the summer operating schedule from May 5 through October 24.
“According to the airline’s official notification to the Marianas Visitors Authority (MVA), the decision is driven by a combination of rising global aviation fuel costs, fuel supply constraints, and softening travel demand linked to the ongoing Middle East crisis. These pressures have contributed not only to increased fuel prices and surcharges, but also to heightened traveler uncertainty and a slowdown in leisure travel demand across key markets.”
The decision by T'way to suspend its flights between Seoul and Saipan strikes a blow to the tourism industry of the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands (CNMI), as South Korean visitors account for a majority 64% of the total number of visitors to the islands.
“We recognize the immediate impact this will have on our local businesses and are working closely with the Governor to navigate solutions,” said MVA Board Chairman Warren Villagomez. “At the same time, we are actively engaging with our federal partners, including the Department of Interior, to explore opportunities to bring additional carriers into the CNMI and strengthen the stability of our air service moving forward.”
“This development is deeply concerning and reflects broader global challenges impacting the aviation industry. The suspension of Tway represents a loss of half of our flights from our top source market Korea,” said MVA Managing Director Jamika Taijeron. “Our priority at the MVA is to stay engaged with our airline partners and maintain regular communication and coordination with both private and public sector partners as we continue to work toward stabilizing air service and rebuilding capacity.”
With the suspension of T'way Air's flights to Saipan, Jeju Air will be the lone airline operating flights to the island from Seoul.
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