The number of air passengers traveling between Korea and Japan has surpassed 11 million this year, setting a record high.
According to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, the number of passengers using routes between Korea and Japan from January to May this year is 11,246,131, which is 10.7% more than the same period last year (10,156,796).
Looking at the number of passengers on the Korea-Japan routes by month, there were 2.32 million in January, 2.19 million in February, 2.31 million in March, 2.12 million in April, and 2.28 million in May. All figures were about 10% higher than the same month last year.
Driven by travel demand, major airlines are expanding their Japan routes, continuing the upward trend. The number of flights between Korea and Japan reached 58,784 from January to May this year, an increase of 6.9% compared to the same period last year.
The won-yen exchange rate, which could be a stumbling block, is also showing a calming trend. It surpassed 1,000 won in March and April but fell to 960 won last month. As of the 5th, it has dropped further to the 940 won range.
Considering this trend, the airline industry expects that the number of passengers on the Korea-Japan routes will set a new all-time high this year, surpassing last year's record of 25.14 million.