韩国国庆前对中国团队免签！航线恢复怎样了？

Core Viewpoint - The introduction of a visa-free policy for Chinese group tourists to South Korea is expected to significantly boost travel between the two countries, although current travel volumes have not yet returned to pre-pandemic levels [2][4]. Group 1: Visa-Free Policy Impact - Starting from September 29, South Korea will implement a visa-free entry policy for Chinese group tourists (3 or more), allowing a stay of up to 15 days [2]. - There has been a notable increase in flight searches to South Korea, with international ticket search interest rising over 60% year-on-year, and searches for flights to Seoul and Jeju Island more than doubling [2]. - The expected increase in traveler numbers due to the visa-free policy is anticipated to manifest more clearly in 2024 [2][4]. Group 2: Current Travel Statistics - Currently, the flight volume on the China-South Korea route has recovered to approximately 86% of pre-pandemic levels, while other international routes have returned to full capacity [4]. - In the first half of the year, the passenger transport volume on the China-South Korea route reached over 7.81 million, a year-on-year increase of 24.3%, but still only about 80% of 2019 levels [4]. - It is projected that the number of travelers between China and South Korea will reach 8 to 9 million this year, with a full recovery to 2019 levels expected by 2027, largely driven by the visa-free policy [4]. Group 3: Korean Airlines' Market Position - Korean Air is the largest carrier on the China-South Korea route, operating over 100 more flights monthly than its nearest competitor, China Eastern Airlines [8]. - Korean Air plans to acquire Asiana Airlines by the end of 2024, which will become a subsidiary, and the merger is expected to be completed within two years [9]. - Post-merger, the combined fleet will exceed 200 aircraft, serving 24 cities in China with 33 routes, making it the largest foreign airline group in terms of flights to China [10]. Group 4: Implications for Chinese Airlines - The merger of Korean Air and Asiana Airlines is expected to have significant implications for international routes, particularly as South Korea serves as a major transit point for Chinese travelers heading to Europe and the U.S. [11]. - Currently, the recovery rate for China-U.S. routes remains below one-third of pre-pandemic levels, leading to increased passenger traffic for Korean airlines as travelers seek alternatives to high direct flight prices [11]. - Korean Air has seen a significant increase in market share on China-U.S. routes compared to pre-pandemic levels, as both Korean airports and airlines work to attract more transit passengers [11].