South Korea, Czech Republic agree to expand direct flights to Prague

Travel options between South Korea and Eastern Europe are set to grow, with three additional weekly flights to the Czech Republic expected to diversify available routes.

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport announced Thursday that it had agreed with the Czech Republic to increase passenger traffic rights between the two countries from seven to 10 flights per week, following aviation talks held in Prague on July 28 and 29.

The Incheon-Prague route is currently shared by Korean Air, which operates four flights per week, and Asiana Airlines, which operates three. The ministry said it had already expanded the route from four to seven weekly flights in 2024 in response to rising passenger demand. A subsequent review of industry feedback — gathered through a public-private consultative body that included the Korea Tourism Organization — confirmed that demand remained strong, prompting the additional increase two years later.

The expanded traffic rights are expected to lower airfares and broaden consumer choice by opening the door for new carriers to enter the market.

The agreement follows similar expansions with other Eastern European countries, including Hungary, where traffic rights were raised to 14 flights per week, and Austria, where they were raised to 21.

The deal will allow airlines and travel companies to build more flexible route plans connecting South Korea with the Czech Republic, Austria and Hungary. The expansion would not only improve access to Eastern Europe for South Korean travelers but also draw more European visitors to South Korea.

"The series of traffic rights expansions with Eastern European countries reflects what we have heard from the industry," said Lee So-young, the ministry's aviation policy director. "There is a strong likelihood that airlines will actually launch services, which should significantly improve travel convenience and choice for the public."