Update: 25/11/2019:
Air New Zealand commenced regular flights to Seoul on 23rd November with its inaugural NZ75 flight.
Air New Zealand Acting Chief Executive Officer Jeff McDowall, who is travelling on the inaugural service, says:
“Inbound leisure travel from South Korea to New Zealand has grown significantly in recent years and we expect the numbers of visitors from the South Korean market to grow further, presenting a significant tourism growth opportunity for the New Zealand economy.”
“With a population of more than 10 million residents, Seoul is a dynamic mix of outdoor adventure, contemporary urban life, historically rich temples and a lively nightlife – we’re certain Kiwis will be keen to check out this new Asian destination.”
Air New Zealand Acting Chief Executive Officer Jeff McDowall,
With a flight time of 12 hours northbound and just over 11 hours southbound, Air New Zealand’s direct Auckland-Seoul service, operated by its Boeing 787-9 aircraft, will depart Auckland on Monday, Thursday and Saturday.
Through late December to February, an additional couple of flights will operate on Wednesday and Sunday.
Flight numbers to look out for are NZ73 and NZ75 to Seoul and NZ74 and NZ76 on the return.
Air New Zealand has announced the commencement of direct flights to Seoul in November, bringing it into direct competition with Korean Air.
The inclusion of Seoul to its expanding Pacific rim network is a fantastic development for Kiwis looking for a direct route into a less explored Asian destination. It’s also great news for the 40,000 Korean ex-pats that call New Zealand home. With 10 million residents in Seoul alone, the increased inbound tourism and business opportunities are endless.
Services will commence flying into Seoul’s Incheon International Airport from 23 November 2019, three times a week. During the peak holiday period of December to mid-February, services will scale up to five times a week.
The Air New Zealand Seoul service will operate using Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft, flying northward for 12 hours and 11 hours southward. In comparison, Korean Air operates B777-300ERs with the same flight durations.
Tickets will go on sale soon – so look out for some great specials on this new route. In the meantime, Air New Zealand is working through regulations and confirming landing slots.
Kiwis may recall that Air New Zealand operated services between Auckland and Seoul in the mid-1990s but services were suspended with changing travel patterns and stronger demand elsewhere.
Will you be exploring the nightlife or exotic flavours of Seoul?
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Adele