Korea-Taiwan flights might resume

It is expected that flight routes between Korea and Taiwan, suspended in 1992 when Korea severed diplomatic ties with Taiwan, will reopen partially.

The Ministry of Construction and Transportation said that the government was considering the application filed by Korean Air to run a charter flight for transport of Taiwanese delegates to the regional Lions Conference that will be held in Pusan for four days starting Nov. 23.

Ministry officials said that charter flights can be operated without holding aviation negotiations between the two involved countries, noting that it would allow it through discussion with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

It would partially resume the flights between the two countries, and it will affect restoration of regular flight service to Taiwan.

A total of 1,600 members and their families of the Taiwan Lions Club are to take part in the conference. Only Thai International and Cathay Pacific operate services in Korea-Taiwan routes, so it is necessary to operate a charter flight to transport them.

Korean Air is planning to send an A300 charter flight to Taipei on Nov. 22 if the ministry approves the application. The plane also will carry Taiwan's traditional cultural performance team along with Lions members.

The route between Korea and Taiwan enjoyed good business until September 1992 by transporting 420,000 passengers a year, and the market was estimated to be worth about 100 billion won, according to industry sources.