Jeju Air Reports Surge in Japanese Regional Routes
Jeju Air passengers traveling on secondary Japanese routes have increased significantly, led by growth on the Hiroshima and 시즈오카 lines that outpaced capacity expansion. From January through September, passenger counts on specific secondary paths climbed by over 40% compared to the previous year, according to data from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport’s aviation information portal system.
Hiroshima and Shizuoka Passenger Counts Climb
Incheon-to-Hiroshima passenger numbers reached approximately 184,000 during the first nine months of the year, marking a 42% increase from the same period last year, fetv.co.kr reported. Similarly, the Incheon-to-Shizuoka route carried about 178,000 travelers, representing a 41% rise. These increases surpassed the expansion of available seats on each path, which grew by 21% for Hiroshima and 12% for Shizuoka over the same timeframe.
Other secondary destinations also saw steady gains. The Incheon-to-Matsuyama route recorded approximately 188,000 passengers, an 11% increase. The Incheon-to-Oita route carried roughly 53,000 travelers, up 12% despite capacity remaining largely flat compared to the previous year.
Broader Network Expansion and Traveler Preferences
Jeju Air expanded its Japanese network beyond primary hubs like Tokyo, Osaka, and Fukuoka to include smaller cities such as Hiroshima, Shizuoka, Matsuyama, Oita, Kobe, and Kagoshima. Total passenger volume across these secondary Japanese routes grew from roughly 610,000 in 2024 to about 760,000 last year, reaching approximately 700,000 by the third quarter of this year.
High fuel prices and a strong exchange rate have increased the financial burden of travel, raising the preference for short- and medium-haul routes,
a Jeju Air representative stated, noting that interest in Japan’s secondary cities is growing alongside those cost pressures.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jeju Air Regional Flights
Which secondary Japanese routes recorded the highest growth rates for Jeju Air?
Hiroshima and Shizuoka routes recorded passenger growth rates in the 40% range during the first nine months of the year, outpacing seat supply increases.
How many passengers traveled on the Incheon-to-Matsuyama route?
The Incheon-to-Matsuyama route carried approximately 188,000 passengers, representing an 11% increase compared to the prior year.
What factors are driving travelers toward secondary Japanese cities?
Airline officials attribute the shift to rising travel costs driven by high fuel prices and unfavorable exchange rates, which increase demand for closer short- and medium-haul destinations.
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