Direct UAE Flights to Launch from Regional Airports... Anticipation for Middle East Travel Boom

[Financial News] Direct flights from domestic regional airports to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will soon be permitted. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MOLIT) announced on the 23rd that they have established four additional weekly flight rights exclusively for regional airports with the UAE. Previously, flight rights between Korea and the UAE were set at 21 per week, allowing airlines from both countries to operate only two routes from Incheon (to Dubai and Abu Dhabi). With this new agreement, it is now expected that direct routes from regional airports to the Middle East will be launched.
The UAE is an active economic partner with Korea in sectors such as construction and energy infrastructure. It is also a popular destination for Korean travelers heading to Europe, Africa, and other long-haul destinations. Currently, Korean Air operates seven weekly flights to Dubai, Emirates operates ten, and Etihad Airways offers eleven weekly flights to Abu Dhabi.
Additionally, the government has reached an agreement to sign an air services agreement with the Dominican Republic, the second largest country in the Caribbean.
Both countries will complete their respective domestic procedures before signing the agreement. This will mark Korea’s tenth air services agreement with a Latin American country. A Ministry of Foreign Affairs official expressed hope, stating, "This will lay the groundwork for expanding air cooperation with Latin American countries that currently do not have direct flights with Korea." The Latin American countries that have signed air services agreements with Korea include Mexico, the Federative Republic of Brazil, Argentina, the Republic of Ecuador, the Republic of Chile, Panama, Paraguay, the Republic of Peru, and Guyana.
Meanwhile, at the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) International Air Transport Negotiation Conference (ICAN) 2025, attended by 87 member countries, the government held bilateral aviation talks with 13 countries, including the UAE, Dominican Republic, and Iceland. This event brings together ICAO member states to conduct bilateral meetings based on demand. This year’s conference was held in the Dominican Republic from the 10th to the 14th.

rainman@fnnews.com Kim Kyung-soo Reporter