300元不到飞首尔！山西大同“砸出”机票洼地丨夏游记

Core Viewpoint - Datong has gained attention not only for its cultural significance but also for its remarkably low-priced international flights, attracting a surge of young travelers for outbound tourism [1][2]. Flight Pricing and Routes - Datong Yungang International Airport currently operates four international direct flights to Seoul, Ulaanbaatar, Bangkok, and Moscow, with most routes newly launched in 2024 and 2025 [2]. - The price for a round-trip flight from Datong to Bangkok is approximately 600 to 700 yuan, significantly lower than the 2300 to 2400 yuan for flights from Beijing [2]. - The low-cost flights have led to a notable increase in outbound tourism from Datong, particularly among young travelers who previously relied on more expensive routes from major cities [2][3]. Factors Behind Low Prices - Government support and financial subsidies have played a crucial role in establishing competitive international flight prices by reducing operational costs for airlines [3]. - A unique operational model where travel agencies pre-book a majority of seats for group tours allows for leftover seats to be sold at discounted rates, contributing to the availability of low-priced tickets [3]. - The geographical advantage of Datong, being only about two hours from Beijing by high-speed train, facilitates access for tourists from surrounding regions [3]. Market Trends and Capacity - Since the summer, many international routes from Datong have achieved high occupancy rates, often reaching 100%, indicating strong demand for these flights [4]. - The recent policy changes allowing extended visa-free transit for foreigners have further stimulated inbound tourism, indirectly benefiting outbound flight pricing as airlines adjust to balance return flight capacities [6]. Young Travelers' Preferences - The trend of young travelers, particularly university students, seeking affordable travel options aligns with the emergence of low-cost flights from Datong, making it an attractive choice for budget-conscious tourists [7]. - The combination of competitive pricing and supportive policies positions Datong as a new hub for outbound tourism, with potential for further growth in international flight offerings [7].