Gimpo-Haneda Flights to Resume

Flights between the smaller Seoul and Tokyo airports of Gimpo and Haneda will resume after two years and three months' suspension due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The airports are closer to the respective city centers than Incheon and Narita international airports.

Seoul and Tokyo have agreed to resume eight flights per week between the two airports from June 29, the government here said Wednesday.

Korean Air and Asiana Airlines, Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airways will each resume two flights a week. The two countries will increase numbers of flights gradually from next month depending on demand.

In its heyday the more convenient route enjoyed an average occupancy rate of 98 percent in high season. As many as 21 regular weekly flights were in service in 2019.

Discussions to reopen the route started last month.

But Japan still caps overseas arrivals at 20,000 per day and permits only tour groups through authorized agents to enter. Travelers must carry proof of a negative coronavirus test taken within 72 hours of arrival.