Zhejiang Loong Air inaugurated a new Hangzhou Xiaoshan – Busan Gimhae route on 22 July, with Zhejiang Daily confirming the launch in its early edition on 23 July. The GJ8207 flight, carrying more than 100 passengers, marks the first time the Yangtze River Delta megacity has enjoyed a non-stop link to South Korea’s second-largest city. Scheduled flight time is just two hours, and services will run every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. For Korean firms operating in Zhejiang’s electronics and automotive supply chains the route removes the need to connect via Seoul Incheon, slashing total door-to-door travel by up to five hours. Loong Air is positioning the service as a feeder for onward connections via its Hangzhou hub, offering through-checked luggage to Chongqing, Chengdu, Shenzhen and Xiamen—useful for Korean expatriates rotating across multiple Chinese plants. The Busan Tourism Organisation is offering welcome kits for passengers arriving between 22 July and 15 August, signalling South Korea’s eagerness to revive inbound volumes. Chinese nationals still require a K-ETA (electronic travel authorisation) obtained at least 72 hours before departure; group visas remain suspended. Travel buyers should monitor fares closely: debut promotional round-trip tickets are selling at under RMB 1,500 (USD 205) inclusive of taxes, but Loong Air has indicated there will be yield management adjustments after the Golden Week holiday. Given currency volatility, corporates may wish to book in RMB to avoid won exposure. Looking ahead, Hangzhou Airport’s second runway—slated to open in September—should offer additional slots, raising the prospect of daily services if load factors stay above 75 percent.
Source: Zhejiang Daily / Zhejiang Online
