South Korea Aviation Output Drops 13.5 Percent in April

South Korea's aviation sector experienced its sharpest output decline in 52 months during April, with the production index falling 13.5 percent to 468.5. Passenger transport output dropped 14 percent, marking the steepest monthly decline since December 2021.

Statistics Korea attributed the downturn to reduced passenger demand caused by a spike in fuel surcharges, which were driven by the prolonged conflict in the Middle East. High operational costs forced carriers to adjust pricing and schedules to maintain viability.

Korean Air significantly increased its international one-way fuel surcharges for April, with rates reaching up to 303,000 won. Budget carriers implemented more drastic emergency measures to counter falling demand. Jeju Air cut nearly 200 round-trip international flights to destinations including Bangkok, Singapore, and several Vietnamese cities, while suspending its Vientiane route for two months.