South Korea’s main air gateway Incheon International Airport will be open around the clock without any flight restrictions from June 8.

The transport ministry announced Friday that it will fully resume the country’s international flight operation from next Wednesday.

Accordingly, the maximum number of flights landing at Incheon International Airport per hour will be allowed back to 40, doubled from the current flight cap of 20 placed since April 2020 for border control amid the coronavirus pandemic. The night-curfew, from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. will also be removed to allow the airport to run 24 hours.

The ministry is expanding international flight schedule faster than its initial plan to meet the surging inbound and outbound travel demand. Many countries around the world including Korea are reopening borders ahead of summer holidays.

It previously planned to restore the country’s international flight operation to half the normal level by the end of this year. However, it is now allowing airlines to add more flights per demand without any limit.

The country is expanding weekly international flight operation by 230 flights in June, 130 more than planned earlier.

Tourism industry pins high hope for quick recovery with the country’s main international airport returning to normal operation. With more flights available, ticket prices are expected to go down from the current high level to make overseas trips more affordable, said a market observer.

The transport ministry will also work with health authorities to make Covid test quicker and easier for international travelers.

By Cho Jeehyun

[ⓒ Pulse by Maeil Business Newspaper & mk.co.kr, All rights reserved]