Airlines Reduce Flights to Jeju Island Amid Fuel Price Surge

Travelers advised to book early and stay flexible as airlines cut international routes

Mar. 28, 2026 at 7:50pm by Ben Kaplan

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The global airline industry is facing significant challenges due to rising fuel costs and unfavorable exchange rates, leading several carriers to cancel or reduce flights to international destinations, including popular tourist spots like Jeju Island in South Korea. This shift in flight availability is expected to increase demand and fares for domestic travel within South Korea, making advance booking and flexibility crucial for travelers.

Why it matters

The reduction in international flights could have a ripple effect on the travel industry, potentially driving up prices and demand for domestic destinations like Jeju Island. This highlights the broader economic pressures facing the airline industry and the need for travelers to adapt their plans accordingly.

The details

Several airlines, including Jin Air, Aero K Airlines, Air Premia, and Air Busan, have announced cuts to international routes serving destinations like Guam, Clark, Nha Trang, Cebu, Ibaraki, Narita, Clark, Ulaanbaatar, Washington D.C., Bangkok, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. These reductions are directly linked to the surge in aviation fuel prices, which have risen 136.1% year-over-year in the Asia-Oceania region, reaching $204.95 per barrel as of March 20th. The increase in the dollar-won exchange rate has further exacerbated the financial strain on airlines.

  • Between April 4th and 30th, Jin Air has announced the cancellation of 45 roundtrip flights on eight international routes.
  • Aero K Airlines is reducing service on several international routes, including those to Ibaraki, Narita, Clark, and Ulaanbaatar.
  • Air Premia is scaling back flights to Washington D.C., Bangkok, Los Angeles, and San Francisco.
  • Air Busan is reducing flights to destinations like Da Nang, Cebu, and Guam.

The players

Jin Air

A South Korean low-cost airline that has announced the cancellation of 45 roundtrip flights on eight international routes between April 4th and 30th.

Aero K Airlines

A South Korean airline that is reducing service on several international routes, including those to Ibaraki, Narita, Clark, and Ulaanbaatar.

Air Premia

A South Korean airline that is scaling back flights to Washington D.C., Bangkok, Los Angeles, and San Francisco.

Air Busan

A South Korean airline that is reducing flights to destinations like Da Nang, Cebu, and Guam.

International Air Transport Association (IATA)

The global trade association for the airline industry, which reported that the average price of aviation fuel in the Asia-Oceania region rose 136.1% year-over-year, reaching $204.95 per barrel as of March 20th.

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What’s next

Travelers should be prepared for potential disruptions and price fluctuations, and should consider booking in advance, when possible, and being flexible with travel dates to mitigate the impact of airline adjustments.

The takeaway

The reduction in international flights due to rising fuel costs and unfavorable exchange rates is expected to increase demand and fares for domestic travel within South Korea, highlighting the broader economic pressures facing the airline industry and the need for travelers to adapt their plans accordingly.