BUSAN — Air Busan (298690.KS) is opening a new route linking Busan with Chiang Mai in northern Thailand. During the winter travel peak, the carrier will increase service to six flights a week, widening the range of Southeast Asian destinations available from Busan.
Air Busan said on the 1st that it will begin flying the Busan-Chiang Mai route on Nov. 11. Flights will depart Gimhae International Airport at 7 p.m. and arrive at Chiang Mai International Airport at 10:55 p.m. Return flights will leave Chiang Mai at 11:55 p.m. and land at Gimhae at 7:05 a.m. the following day. The route will operate four times a week, on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays.
From Dec. 22 through Feb. 28, the winter high season, the airline will add flights to bring the total to six a week. The route will be served by the A321neo, Air Busan's flagship next-generation aircraft, with 232 seats. Equipped with new engines, the A321neo sharply reduces noise and vibration while delivering high fuel efficiency, offering a more comfortable environment for passengers on Southeast Asian routes that run more than five hours.
Chiang Mai is a leading tourist destination in northern Thailand, drawing travelers with its cultural heritage and natural scenery as well as golf and resort options. Air Busan plans to expand its portfolio of Southeast Asian routes from Busan, targeting everyone from families to travelers seeking leisure and golf.
"We plan to offer a range of routes that match customer demand and travel trends during the winter season," an Air Busan official said. "We will continue to diversify our network based on shifting travel demand."
