Korean Air Plans New Routes to Hangzhou, Nanjing, and Zhangjiajie, as well as Clark, Philippines

Jonathan DeLise August 27, 2019

Following a successful round of aviation talks with China in March, Skyteam’s Korean Air (KE) has announced plans to initiate service to three more Chinese hotspots. Although the exact launch dates are still unknown for the first two cities, KE plans to introduce Hangzhou (HGH), Nanjing (NKG), and Zhangjiajie (DYG) later this year, all from Seoul Incheon (ICN).

Hangzhou, located in Zhejiang province just south of Shanghai, is one of the fast-growing hubs of the Yangtze River delta, counting the headquarters of Alibaba among its most important economic engines. For tourists, West Lake, the National Tea Museum, the Grand Canal, and the nearby Wuzhen canal town and Liangzhu archeological site are among the many points of interest.

Lying to the west of Shanghai in Jiangsu province, Nanjing is another burgeoning metropolis, and former capital of many dynasties, as well as capital for part of the mainland’s Republic of China. Attractions – morbid as they may be – include the Nanjing Massacre Memorial, Ming Tombs, and Sun Yat Sen Mausoleum.

Zhangjiajie, the closest city (and airport) to the Wulingyuan and Yangjiajie Scenic Areas – best known in the US for inspiring the background in Avatar – will be receiving thrice weekly seasonal flights between September and October:

KE163 ICN 19:50 DYG 22:25 Sunday
KE163 ICN 20:05 DYG 22:25 Wednesday, Saturday

KE164 DYG 23:30 ICN 04:05+1 Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday

The flight will be operated using Boeing 737-900ERs…and in case you’re wondering why the airport code is DYG, another name for the region is Dayong.

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At the end of October, Korean Air will also be starting seven weekly flights to Clark Airport (CRK) in the Philippines, the gateway to northern Manila, Angeles, and Mabalacat. According to a KE spokesperson, family activities and golfing are two of the main reasons for this flight launch. These new flights will be in addition to the eighteen weekly flights between Seoul Incheon and Manila (MNL).