Starting April 24: Six weekly flights, moving to daily in June — Cheongju Airport hits a milestone as it rises to become the central hub for the region
China’s largest low-cost carrier, Spring Airlines, is launching regular flights between Cheongju and Shanghai on April 24 — a move that strengthens Cheongju Airport’s international standing.
On April 9, Spring Airlines held a kickoff event at Cheongju International Airport to celebrate the new route and confirm official operations for the Cheongju–Shanghai service. Travel agencies and related officials attended the event, where the airline introduced itself and outlined its future flight plans.
▲ From June, daily flights to maximize convenience
The route will launch April 24 with six weekly flights (Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun). Starting June 3, the airline will add Wednesday service and shift to daily operations. Daily flights will give travelers more scheduling flexibility and make business travel between the two cities far more convenient.
▲ Chungcheongbuk-do: “A milestone in becoming the central regional hub”
At the announcement, a Chungcheongbuk-do official said, “This launch by global carrier Spring Airlines is an important milestone in firmly positioning Cheongju Airport as the central hub for the region. A direct connection to a major city like Shanghai will not only attract Chinese inbound tourists but also energize the local economy and expand business ties.”
▲ Spring Airlines, China’s largest LCC, picks Cheongju as its fourth Korean destination
Spring Airlines started as a travel agency in 1981 and entered aviation in 2004, becoming China’s first and largest low-cost carrier. The airline currently operates successful China–Korea routes from Jeju, Busan, and Incheon, and by selecting Cheongju Airport as its fourth Korean base, it is further strengthening its presence in the South Korean market.
A Spring Airlines spokesperson said they chose Cheongju because they see strong potential. “We aim to do more than open a route,” the spokesperson added. “Through active promotion and inbound tourism initiatives, we will help boost Cheongju Airport and the Chungbuk regional economy.”
Spring Airlines’ Cheongju–Shanghai route is expected to elevate Cheongju Airport’s international profile and have a positive impact on the local economy. Transitioning to daily service should further boost travel and business exchanges, helping cement Cheongju Airport’s role as the region’s hub.
Chungbuk — Reporter Lee Hyun-seung (bpda@viva100.com)
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