South Korea and China finalize deal to boost air traffic rights
After a seven-year hiatus, South Korea and China have agreed to expand air traffic rights between the two nations. The agreement was reached during bilateral aviation talks held in Seoul in late May. Under the new terms, passenger flights will increase by 56 per week, while cargo flights will see an additional 14 weekly services.
New routes and future plans
The expansion introduces new routes from Incheon International Airport to Shanghai and Guangzhou, as well as flights from South Korean regional airports to several Chinese cities:
- Chengdu
- Shenzhen
- Chongqing
- Xi'an
South Korea's Ministry of Transport stated that the deal was made possible by the growing passenger traffic between the two countries. In the first quarter of 2026, passenger numbers surpassed pre-pandemic levels. The South Korean government plans to allocate the new flight rights to domestic airlines in the second half of the year. This expansion is expected to boost tourism, trade, and economic exchanges between Seoul and Beijing.
Additionally, on November 1, 2025, on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit, Chinese leader Xi Jinping gifted two Xiaomi smartphones to South Korean President Lee Jae-myung.
This agreement to expand air links between South Korea and China plays a key role in reviving economic ties between the two nations in the post-pandemic era.
The increase in flights is likely to drive higher tourist numbers, which will positively impact tourism-related businesses and trade. The political context is also noteworthy, as the Chinese leader's gift to the South Korean president signals a mutual desire to strengthen bilateral relations.
The recent aviation agreement between South Korea and China reflects a broader trend of strengthening economic ties in the region. Similarly, China's commitment to significantly increase its agricultural purchases from the U.S. by 2028 highlights a shift towards deeper trade relationships. This growing focus on trade partnerships is essential for understanding the changing dynamics of international relations in the post-pandemic era.