SINGAPORE, 16 October 2024: In response to increasing travel demand, Korean Air will commence daily flights from 24 November from Seoul Incheon to Kumamoto in Japan. 

It marks the resumption of the route after a 27-year suspension due to the Asian financial crisis in 1997.

Located in the heart of Kyushu, Kumamoto is known as a year-round tourist destination. It boasts a long history and stunning natural landscapes – including Mount Aso, one of the world’s largest caldera volcanoes, and Kumamoto Castle, one of Japan’s three most famous castles. 

Other attractions include the Kikuchi Castle ruins, a medieval fortress site showcasing architectural influences from Korea’s Baekje Kingdom and offering insights into the region’s feudal history; the Amakusa Islands, presenting picturesque coastal landscapes ideal for nature enthusiasts; and Kurokawa Onsen, a hot spring village with a 300-year tradition, offering a traditional Japanese onsen experience in a charming forested valley setting. These diverse attractions, combined with Kumamoto’s climate and renowned local cuisine, make it an appealing destination for travellers seeking both cultural experiences and natural beauty throughout the year.

Kumamoto is also famous for its local mascot, “Kumamon.” A combination of “kuma” (bear) and “mon” (person), Kumamon is a playful black bear character that has gained popularity both in Japan and worldwide. Since its debut in 2011, Kumamon has significantly boosted Kumamoto’s recognition, generating over 1 trillion yen annually in revenue and becoming Japan’s most successful character since Hello Kitty.

Korean Air is expanding its services to smaller Japanese cities to meet the growing demand for diverse Japanese destinations. From 27 October, the airline will increase the flights on the Seoul Incheon to Okayama and Kagoshima routes while resuming the Seoul Incheon-Nagasaki route with four weekly flights. These expansions reflect Korean Air’s commitment to enhancing connectivity and providing more options for passengers seeking to explore Japan’s rich cultural tapestry beyond major metropolitan areas.

BANGKOK, 15 October 2025: New Caledonia’s Aircalin has gained fifth freedom rights that allow it to pick up passengers in Bangkok for the flight to Paris and Noumea on the return sector. 

Starting 11 December, the airline will fly to Bangkok twice weekly, making a transit stop in the Thai capital before flying to Paris. This will give Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) its first direct route from the South Pacific island destination.

According to a news report posted by the Pacific Tourism Association, Aircalin sales have already opened for the two flight sectors: Noumea-Bangkok and Bangkok-Paris.  The airline will use an A330-900neo aircraft configured with three classes (business, premium economy, and economy) on the Noumea-Paris route, including a Bangkok stop.

Flight schedule outbound

SB500 departs Noumea (NOW) 0145 and arrives in Bangkok BKK at 0755 
SB500 departs Bangkok at 0955 and arrives in Paris at 1725 (Wed and Sat)

Flight schedule return

SB501 departs Paris (CDG) at 2030 and arrives in Bangkok at 1440 (plus day).
SB501 departs Bangkok at 1640 and arrives in Noumea at 0630 (plus 2 days)

About Aircalin
Société Aircalin, also known as Air Calédonie International, is the flag carrier of the French collectivity of New Caledonia, with its headquarters in Nouméa. 
Hub: La Tontouta International Airport
Founded: September 1983
Nouméa, New Caledonia
Headquarters: Nouméa, New Caledonia
Destinations: 11
Fleet size: 4

(SOURCE: Pacific Tourism Association and Wikipedia).