KOBE- Korean Air (KE) has inaugurated its new Seoul Incheon (ICN) to Kobe (UKB) route, marking a historic milestone as the first international flight service at Kobe Airport. The twice-daily service strengthens Korean Air’s presence in Japan’s Kansai region.
The route operates using Korean Air’s Airbus A321neo aircraft with 8 Prestige Class and 174 Economy Class seats, completing the journey in approximately two hours. This expansion comes as travel demand to Japan continues to rise, offering enhanced connectivity for travelers.
Photo: Korean Air
Korean Air Kobe Airport Flights
Korean Air celebrated the launch of its Seoul Incheon-Kobe route with commemorative events at both Seoul Incheon International Airport (ICN) and Kobe Airport (UKB) on April 18. As the first Korean flag carrier on this route, Korean Air has established a twice-daily service with morning and afternoon departures:
The morning service (KE731) departs Seoul Incheon at 8:25 am, arriving at Kobe at 10:00 am, with return flight KE732 leaving Kobe at 11:00 am and landing in Seoul Incheon at 1:00 pm.
The afternoon service (KE733) departs Seoul Incheon at 3:50 pm, arriving at Kobe at 5:30 pm, with the return flight departing Kobe at 6:30 pm and arriving in Seoul Incheon at 8:40 pm.
This new route demonstrates Korean Air’s commitment to expanding its network in response to increasing travel demand to Japan. Further, the service not only enhances passenger convenience but also provides travelers with greater flexibility when visiting Japan’s culturally rich Kansai region.
Photo: By Hideyuki KAMON, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=7346738
Kobe Airport’s International Service
Kobe Airport, which opened in 2006, previously handled only domestic flights until this recent expansion to international services. A ceremony celebrating the arrival of the first international flight was held at the new terminal building, with Kobe City Mayor Hisamoto Kizo expressing optimism about Kobe’s new potential as an international city.
The airport now connects Kobe to five cities across South Korea, China, and Taiwan, with 40 round-trip flights scheduled weekly. Further, Korean Air’s regional manager for Japan expressed delight that the airline could help introduce Kobe’s charm to people in South Korea.
The first international charter flight to arrive at the airport came from Taipei, Taiwan, with passengers receiving a warm welcome from airport officials bearing commemorative items. This international expansion is expected to significantly increase foreign tourism and business travel to Hyogo Prefecture.
Photo: Sylvie Busine | Airbus
Flight Schedule
Republic of Korea
Seoul (Incheon International Airport – ICN)
AirlineFrom Seoul → KobeKobe ArrivalDeparture from Kobe → SeoulArriving in SeoulDate of OperationKorean Air (KE)8:25 a.m.10:00 a.m.11:00 a.m.1:00 p.m.Every dayKorean Air (KE)3:50 p.m.5:30 p.m.6:30 p.m.8:40 p.m.Every day
People’s Republic of China
Nanjing (Nanjing Lukou International Airport – NKG)
AirlineDeparture from Nanjing → KobeKobe ArrivalDeparture from Kobe → NanjingNanjing ArrivalDate of OperationJiexiang Airlines11:30 a.m.3:00 p.m.4:00 p.m.5:30 p.m.Every day*
*Excluding Friday, April 18 and Tuesday, April 22.
Shanghai (Shanghai Pudong International Airport – PVG)
AirlineFrom Shanghai → KobeKobe ArrivalDeparture from Kobe → ShanghaiShanghai ArrivalDate of OperationJiexiang Airlines2:30 p.m.6:00 p.m.7:00 p.m.8:30 p.m.Every day
Photo: Clément Alloing
Taiwan
Taipei (Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport – TPE)
AirlineFrom Taipei → KobeKobe ArrivalDeparture from Kobe → TaipeiTaipei ArrivalDate of OperationStarlux Airlines6:20 a.m.10:00 a.m.11:00 a.m.1:00 p.m.Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays**EVA Air6:20 a.m.10:00 a.m.11:00 a.m.12:55 p.m.Monday, Friday***
**Also available on Friday, April 18.
***Service will begin on April 21 (Monday), with service also available on April 19 (Saturday) and 26 (Saturday).
Additional Service
AirlineFrom Taipei → KobeKobe ArrivalDeparture from Kobe → TaipeiTaipei ArrivalDate of OperationEVA Air11:20 a.m.3:00 p.m.4:00 p.m.5:55 p.m.April 18 (Friday) and 22 (Tuesday) only
Taichung (Taichung International Airport – RMQ)
AirlineFrom Taichung → KobeKobe ArrivalDeparture from Kobe → TaichungTaichung ArrivalDate of OperationStarlux Airlines8:45 a.m.12:30 p.m.1:30 p.m.3:35 p.m.Every day
Photo: Kobe Airport
Economic and Tourism Impact for the Kansai Region
The introduction of international flights at Kobe Airport represents a substantial economic opportunity for the entire Kansai region. With its strategic location near Osaka, Kyoto, and Nara, Kobe now serves as another gateway for international travelers exploring western Japan.
Tourism officials expect the new flight services to boost visitor numbers to popular attractions throughout Hyogo Prefecture, including Kobe’s famous Harborland, Arima Onsen, and Himeji Castle. The increased accessibility is particularly timely as Japan continues to experience a post-pandemic tourism recovery.
Business travelers will also benefit from more direct access to Kobe’s commercial district, home to numerous international corporations and Japan’s sixth-largest container port. This connectivity enhancement supports Kobe’s position as a significant economic hub in western Japan.
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