Jeju Air suspends Guam-Inchon service

By Pacific Island Times News Staff

Jeju Air has suspended its Guam-Inchon service operations on the Incheon-Guam route until March 2026 due to an oversupply of seats, amid declining demand for this route.

Guam Visitors Bureau said the airline's move was prompted by current market instability, particularly in the wake of the merger between mega airlines Korean Air and Asiana Airlines, and is closely monitoring the situation.

“Jeju's pause of Incheon-Guam service is disappointing, but we also acknowledge the fierce competition and restructuring needs within the industry," said Régine Biscoe Lee, GVB president and CEO.  

“Despite the changes in the airline industry, GVB is pleased to see the Korea market rapidly regain strength.  We anticipate stronger traveler arrival numbers in the final quarter," Bicoe Lee said.

She said GVB's incentive model is delivering tangible outcomes "evidenced by the growth in seat capacity."

GVB reported a fast‑paced rebound in the Korean travel market, with monthly seat capacity rising from over 39,000 in June to approximately 50,600 in July and surpassing  60,000 in August.

"This surge signals meaningful momentum and sets the stage for continued gains in the coming months," the agency said in a press release.

GVB said this upward trend stems from the expansion of air service, supported by well-structured incentive programs. Since August, Korean Air has increased its flights to Guam, adding additional daily flights from Incheon and Busan, directly reflecting the impact of GVB’s proactive market strategy. 

Biscoe Lee said the Guam legislature's approval of a supplemental budget of $10 million specifically for airline incentives would enable GVB's response capacity.

During their meeting on Aug. 28, the GVB board of directors authorized Biscoe Lee to expend airline incentive funds once the budget bill is signed into law..

GVB said the airline incentive program will remain open to all carriers as the bureau aims to continue collaborations and support in the coming year. 

“Our mission is to drive visitor arrivals through increased seat capacity and negotiate the best outcomes for tourism and the people of Guam," Biscoe Lee said.