Editors note: Yes, we’re still working through our backlog…
Delta Air Lines is to resume its connection between Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport and Seoul-Incheon International Airport from the 2nd October 2022.
The Minneapolis to Seoul route will operate using an Airbus A350-900 aircraft with a choice of four cabin experiences – Delta One Suites, Delta Premium Select, Delta Comfort+ and Main Cabin.
The planned operation is as follows:
| FLIGHT | DEPARTS | ARRIVES | OPERATING DAY | START DATE | AIRCRAFT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DL171, KE5033 | MSP at 14:25 | ICN at 17.20+1 | Wednesday, Friday, Sunday | October 2, 2022 | A350-900 |
| DL171, KE5033 | MSP at 11:05 | ICN at 15:30 +1 | Daily | October 29, 2022 | A350-900 |
| DL170, KE5034 | ICN at 19:40 | MSP at 17:35 | Monday, Thursday, Saturday | October 3, 2022 | A350-900 |
| DL170, KE5034 | ICN at 19:25 | MSP at 16:40 | Daily | October 29, 2022 | A350-900 |
Flights will initially operate three times per week before increasing to daily service on 29th October 2022. When this resumes, Delta will have fully restored its South Korean flying to 2019 pre-pandemic levels.
This route will be the last to resume out of the routes Delta offered, with Seattle to Seoul resuming on the 12th of July, whilst existing service from Atlanta and Detroit will increase to a daily operation from 2nd August 2022.
In Quotes
Matteo Curcio, Delta’s V.P. – Asia Pacific said:
“As travel restrictions ease, international and business travel is expected to drive the next leg of Delta’s recovery,”
“Recent demand has been strong in Asian markets, particularly in Korea, as they have rolled back COVID-era travel restrictions. Full restoration of the airline’s Korean network is a positive indicator of what’s to come for the rest of the Asia region.”
A demand-led recovery
With Delta taking its time, its allowed the airline to decide how it’s going to recover and at what speed. With travel demand increasing for travel through its hubs (along with changes on entry requirements to South Korea), Delta is able to manage its fleet and personnel to support this growth.
For those seeking connections from the midwest and beyond to Seoul – and destinations beyond the Korean capital – it will mean a shorter connection, rather than heading to one of Delta’s other hubs to connect with a flight.
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