Middle East crisis takes toll on tourism; T’way to pause Seoul-Saipan route
- Admin
- 4 hours ago
- 2 min read
By Pacific Island Times News Staff
Korean carrier T'way Air will temporarily suspend its Seoul–Saipan route beginning May 5 through Oct. 24, amid spiraling fuel prices, supply instability and dwindling travel demand due to the raging Middle East crisis.
The new global pressures on the travel market have imposed added challenges to the Northern Marianas’ already struggling tourism industry, the Marianas Visitors Authority said.
Korea is the CNMI’s main source market, accounting for approximately 64 percent of total visitor arrivals.
Consequently, T’way’s impending service suspension will have a significant impact on the Saipan market, which stands to lose half of the flights from the CNMI’s top source market.
“This announcement highlights the vulnerability of our economy to external forces beyond our control, including global instability that is affecting both travel demand and airline operations,” CNMI Gov. David Apatang said. “Tourism remains the backbone of the commonwealth, and air service is its lifeline.”
The governor said his administration will work with federal partners and industry stakeholders to protect and restore access to the CNMI.
“We also remain committed to supporting our local businesses during these challenging times, recognizing the direct impact these disruptions have on their operations, their employees, and their ability to grow,” Apatang said.
MVA said international airlines are reassessing route networks and seasonal schedules as operating costs rise and market demand becomes less predictable.
“We recognize the immediate impact this will have on our local businesses and are working closely with the governor to navigate solutions,” said Warren Villagomez, MVA board chairman.
He said the CNMI is also engaging with the Department of the Interior to explore opportunities to bring additional carriers into the islands and stabilize air service.
Even before the Iran war started, the Korean market had been fragile.
MVA previously noted that Korean carriers have been experiencing operational challenges on their CNMI route due to broader industry conditions, including a strong U.S. dollar and regulatory seat-capacity obligations on the Korea–Guam route following the Korean Air–Asiana Airlines merger.
The predicament has led to a 60 percent decline in air seats from South Korea over the years.
Flight operations have been unstable, with lone air carriers Jeju Air and T’way Air frequently suspending or reducing flights over the last year and a half. The number of flights from Seoul decreased from 88 in December 2024 to 60 a year later. The source market recorded 8,577 arrivals in December 2025, a 40 percent decline from December 2024.
“This development is deeply concerning and reflects broader global challenges impacting the aviation industry,” said Jamika Taijeron, MVA managing director.
“Even during periods of uncertainty, we remain committed to showcasing what makes our islands truly 'Far from Ordinary,' — our natural beauty, our warm community, our Chamorro and Refaluwasch cultures and the authentic experiences that visitors can find only in the Marianas.”
