S. Korea's domestic flights carry 2.6 million passengers to surpass pre-pandemic level in March

South Korea's domestic air traffic surpassed the pre-pandemic level last month with local airlines operating 17,166 domestic flights, carrying 2.6 million passengers, higher than pre-pandemic levels in March 2019, when they operated 16,042 flights for 2.57 million passengers.

The figures were also an increase from February when the airlines offered 15,029 flights for 2.31 million passengers.

Low-cost carriers have expanded domestic routes to make up losses from international flights that have been suspended amid the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic, offering people alternatives for overseas trips.

With domestic travel surging, some budget airlines are now intensifying a cost-cutting competition. They offer discounts for as low as 10,000 won for a one-way ticket from Seoul to Jeju island, to attract travelers.