OSAKA— Korean Air (KE) is expanding its Japan network by introducing late-night regular flights between South Korea and Japan, opening new short-trip options for leisure travelers. The service connects Incheon International Airport and Kansai International Airport, marking the airline’s first early-morning departure from Osaka.
The move strengthens Korean Air’s regional offering as demand for flexible travel to Japan continues to rise. The airline confirmed that the expanded schedule will begin next month as part of its updated summer operations.
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Korean Air Plans Night Seoul to Osaka Flights
Korean Air will increase daily flights between Incheon and Osaka to four starting March 19. This represents an additional daily frequency compared with last year’s summer schedule, which operated three daily services on the route.
The new rotation introduces late-night departures in both directions.
According to The Chosun Daily, one flight departs Incheon at 8:55 p.m. and lands in Osaka at 10:45 p.m., while the return service leaves Kansai at 2:15 a.m. and arrives in Incheon at 4:50 a.m.
These timings are designed to maximize usable travel time. Passengers can travel after work hours and return before the start of the next business day. It has been reported that Korean Airlines will deploy its Airbus A321neo on this route.
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Korean Air’s Weekend Travel Demand
The late-night flights allow travelers to complete a 2-night, 4-day Kansai trip without taking annual leave on weekdays.
Travelers can arrive in Osaka on Friday night, spend the weekend exploring nearby cities, and return to Korea early Monday morning.
Osaka’s central location makes it a practical base for short visits to Kyoto and Kobe. Korean Air expects this flexibility to appeal particularly to younger travelers and frequent visitors seeking efficient itineraries.
Until now, late-night regular services between Korea and Japan were limited to routes linking Incheon with Tokyo Haneda Airport. The addition of Osaka expands the night-flight concept beyond the Tokyo market.
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Korean’s Market Growth Outlook
Japan remains the most popular overseas destination for Korean travelers, with annual visitor numbers continuing to rise. Last year, the number of Korean visitors to Japan reached a record 9.45 million, reflecting sustained demand despite capacity constraints.
Repeat travel has also reshaped travel patterns. Beyond major hubs such as Tokyo, Osaka, and Fukuoka, interest is growing in regional cities, while trip styles are diversifying into short stays, overnight flights, and even same-day travel.
Korean Air anticipates strong demand for the new early-morning services, supported by both point-to-point passengers and transit travelers connecting through Incheon.
Kansai International Airport’s role as a gateway to western Japan further supports the route’s long-term viability.
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