Saipan resumes international flights after a tw0-month hiatus due to Sinlaku
- Admin
- 4 minutes ago
- 2 min read
By Pacific Island Times News Staff
Saipan--The Francisco C. Ada Saipan International Airport has reopened for international flights, welcoming the first group of passengers after a two- month pause following the devastating Super Typhoon Sinlaku that hit the islands in mid-April.
Jeju Air’s first direct flight from Seoul Incheon arrived at Francisco C. Ada Saipan International Airport on Sunday, thawing travel freeze that halted the CNMI's tourism.
According to the Marianas Visitors Bureau, Jeju Air has committed to operating four flights a week through Oct. 25, with daily flights during peak periods of July 22-Aug. 3 and Sept. 23-Oct. 10.
“Every seat that arrives in the Marianas is hard‑won. Tourism recovery starts with flights, but its continued success depends on increasing visitor satisfaction when they are here,” said Andy Qin, MVA acting managing director.
“As more international flights resume, our collective focus should be on improving the visitor experience to help ensure that the airlines serving our islands see strong, consistent performance and healthy load factors," he added.
To strengthen travel demand in the aftermath of Sinlaku, the MVA is rolling out targeted campaigns in its two largest source markets to support immediate bookings, while rebuilding long‑term destination awareness.
In Korea, Jeju Air supported its flight relaunch with a "Family Week” promotion offering discounted rates and special perks for families travelling to Saipan.
A combined 13 Marianas products are being sold by Hana Tour, Mode Tour, Yellow Balloon Tour, Verygood Tour, and Naeil Tour for accommodations and activities at Aqua Resort Club Saipan, Crowne Plaza Resort Saipan, Pacific Islands Club Saipan, and LaoLao Bay Golf Resort. Tourism partners are also undertaking their own promotions, including IHG Crowne Plaza Resort Saipan & Guam’s recent “Micronesia Night” held in Seoul to boost summer demand and MBC Union Camp’s “Summer English Camp in Saipan.”
To prepare for the relaunch of Tokyo-Saipan flights by United Airlines on Aug. 2, Japan’s largest travel agency JTB and the MVA have launched an “Enjoy Saipan” campaign to connect visitors with local hotels, restaurants, activity providers, and souvenir shops through special offers.
Hong Kong Airlines will also resume direct flights from Hong Kong on July 12.
With international flights returning, the MVA stressed that tourism recovery will also require government agencies, businesses, and individuals all working to provide a positive, meaningful visitor experience.
“While some factors - like rising fuel prices or unfavorable currency exchange are beyond our local control - there is still a lot of improvement we can make together in our destination,” said Qin.
“It is important that every sector—public, private, and community—moves in the same direction in allowing our visitors to experience the best of the Marianas and who we are. If your business, office, or organization has experiences, products, and services that connect our visitors to our Far From Ordinary nature, history, culture, and adventure, the MVA can help share that info," he added.
Subscribe to
our digital
monthly issue