LCCs struggle despite increased int'l passenger demand
Jeju Air airplane / Courtesy of Jeju AirBy Kim Hyun-binLocal low-cost carriers (LCC) are deeply concerned despite a rise in international passenger demand, as the competition for Southeast Asian routes is intensifying due to difficulties entering the most popular destinations ― Japan and China. Many experts believe it will be difficult for LCCs to improve their financial structure despite a surge in international flight demand.According to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport Monday, the number of international passengers at national airports in July was recorded at 1,855,000, an increase of 532 percent from the previous year. By route, the recovery of international passengers was fastest for flights bound for the Americas. Compared to the 2019 average, the Americas recovered 74 percent, Europe 41 percent and Southeast Asia 35 percent but Japan and China only saw a recovery of 7 percent and 2 percent, respectively.Among the three major LCCs, Jeju Air was top with 97,392 international passengers, followed by Jin Air with 95,784 and T'way Air with 85,560.Compared to the
