British Airways Resumes Direct Flights to Seoul

British Airways has resumed direct flights between Incheon and London on Sunday after a 14-year suspension of the service. The airline will fly the route six times a week.

With the resumption of the service, the British flagship is set to compete with domestic airlines such as Korean Air and Asiana Airlines for the direct route. British Airways will offer four classes of seats -- First, Club World business, World Traveler Plus premium economy and World Traveler economy.

One-way tickets for economy class, excluding fuel surcharge and tax, cost around W600,000 to W700,000 (US$1=W1,083), while premium economy tickets cost 75 to 80 percent more.

Jamie Cassidy, British Airways' area general manager for the Middle East and Asia Pacific, said the service will boost trade and business exchanges between Korea and Britain. The airline suspended direct flights between Incheon and London in 1998 after the Asian financial crisis.