Gimhae International Airport could see major changes to its international network as the planned integration of Air Busan into Jin Air raises concerns about existing routes, while discussions continue over potential new long-haul services to North America and Europe.
According to local media reports, Air Busan and Jin Air currently overlap on 11 international routes from Gimhae, including Taipei, Sapporo, Fukuoka, Osaka, Tokyo Narita, Cebu, Bangkok, Nha Trang, Da Nang, Ulaanbaatar and Guam.
Jin Air has said the merger will eliminate inefficiencies on overlapping routes. That has raised concerns that some Gimhae services could be reduced as the combined carrier reorganizes schedules and aircraft deployment.
There are also questions over whether the airline could increasingly use Incheon as a hub for passengers traveling to and from Busan rather than expanding direct international services at Gimhae.
Hana Securities recently suggested that growing inbound demand for Busan could be served through connections at Incheon Airport.
At the same time, Gimhae could gain its first direct long-haul routes as international airlines expand their Asian networks.
A Busan city official said a North American airline is positively reviewing direct service to Gimhae, while discussions are also underway with a Middle Eastern carrier.
Growing numbers of international visitors to Busan are seen as strengthening the case for new routes.
Domestic airlines have reportedly been more cautious about launching North American and European services from Gimhae because of profitability concerns. Foreign carriers, however, are showing greater interest as travel demand to Busan increases.
Industry expectations are growing that Gimhae could gain a direct North American or European route as early as next year, although no airline has officially confirmed a new service.
