What airlines fly into BTS?

What Airlines Fly Into BTS? Your Guide to Flying into Seoul's Gimpo International Airport

For many American travelers planning a trip to South Korea, the question of which airlines fly into the country's bustling capital arises. While Incheon International Airport (ICN) is the primary gateway for most international long-haul flights, **Seoul's Gimpo International Airport (BTS)** serves a crucial role, particularly for domestic travel and flights from nearby Asian destinations. Understanding which airlines operate out of BTS can significantly streamline your travel planning.

Understanding BTS: Gimpo International Airport

Gimpo International Airport, often referred to by its IATA code BTS, is one of the busiest airports in South Korea. Historically, it was the main international airport for Seoul before the opening of Incheon. Today, BTS primarily handles domestic flights, but it also accommodates a significant number of international flights, especially those originating from and destined for cities in China, Japan, and Taiwan. This makes it a vital hub for connecting with other parts of South Korea or for those looking for more direct regional access.

Airlines Serving Gimpo International Airport (BTS)

While you won't find many major US-based carriers flying directly into BTS for international routes, you will encounter a variety of Asian airlines. The airlines that fly into BTS can be broadly categorized into:

• Major Korean Carriers: These airlines form the backbone of BTS's operations, offering extensive domestic and regional international routes.
• International Regional Carriers: Primarily from neighboring countries, these airlines connect BTS to key cities in Asia.

Key Airlines and Their Routes to BTS

Here's a more detailed look at some of the prominent airlines you're likely to see at Gimpo International Airport:

1. Korean Air: As one of South Korea's flag carriers, Korean Air operates a substantial number of flights into and out of BTS. While they heavily utilize Incheon for long-haul international routes, they maintain a significant presence at Gimpo for domestic flights across South Korea and also offer international services to select cities in Japan and China.
2. Asiana Airlines: Another major South Korean airline, Asiana Airlines also flies into BTS. Similar to Korean Air, their focus at Gimpo is on domestic connections and regional international flights to destinations like Japan, Taiwan, and China.
3. Jeju Air: This is a prominent low-cost carrier (LCC) in South Korea. Jeju Air heavily utilizes BTS for its extensive network of domestic flights to popular destinations like Jeju Island, as well as a growing number of international routes to cities in Japan, China, the Philippines, and Vietnam.
4. T'way Air: Another popular South Korean LCC, T'way Air also operates a considerable number of flights from BTS. They connect travelers to numerous domestic destinations and several international cities in Japan, Southeast Asia, and China.
5. Jin Air: Jin Air, a subsidiary of Korean Air, is also an LCC that serves BTS. Their operations are similar to other LCCs, focusing on domestic routes and select international services to nearby Asian countries.
6. Air Busan: This LCC, based in Busan, also flies into BTS, offering both domestic connections and regional international flights.
7. Eastar Jet: Another Korean LCC, Eastar Jet provides services to various domestic points from BTS and also offers international routes to destinations in Japan and China.
8. China Eastern Airlines: This major Chinese airline operates flights connecting BTS with various cities in China, such as Shanghai.
9. China Southern Airlines: Similar to China Eastern, China Southern Airlines offers routes between BTS and several major Chinese cities.
10. All Nippon Airways (ANA): Japan's largest airline, ANA, operates flights connecting BTS with major Japanese cities like Tokyo (Haneda Airport, HND, which is often a direct competitor to Gimpo for regional traffic).
11. Japan Airlines (JAL): Japan's other flag carrier, JAL, also serves BTS with flights from various Japanese airports.
12. EVA Air: This Taiwanese airline offers flights connecting BTS with Taipei, Taiwan.
13. Tigerair Taiwan: Another Taiwanese LCC, Tigerair Taiwan also provides services to BTS from Taiwan.

Navigating Your Flight Options

For American travelers, direct international flights from the United States to BTS are virtually non-existent. Your journey will typically involve flying into Incheon International Airport (ICN) first. From ICN, you have several options to reach Gimpo (BTS):

• AREX Express Train: This is the fastest and most convenient way to travel between ICN and BTS. The express train takes about 29 minutes and runs regularly.
• Airport Limousine Bus: Several limousine bus routes connect ICN and BTS, offering a more relaxed but slightly longer journey.
• Taxi: Taxis are readily available at ICN and can take you directly to BTS, though this is the most expensive option.

Once you are at Gimpo International Airport, you can then connect to your intended domestic destination within South Korea or to your regional international flight. This makes BTS an essential airport for exploring the diverse offerings of South Korea beyond Seoul itself.

Why Fly into BTS?

While Incheon handles the bulk of international traffic, BTS offers distinct advantages for certain travelers:

• Domestic Connectivity: If your primary destination is outside of Seoul, flying into BTS and then taking a domestic flight can save you significant travel time compared to traveling from Incheon.
• Regional Convenience: For those traveling from or to specific cities in China, Japan, or Taiwan, a flight into BTS might be more convenient or offer better connections than flying into ICN.
• Cost Savings: Sometimes, regional flights into BTS can be more competitively priced than those into ICN, especially for LCCs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How do I get from Incheon (ICN) to Gimpo (BTS)?

The most efficient way to travel between Incheon International Airport (ICN) and Gimpo International Airport (BTS) is by taking the AREX Express Train. This train offers a direct and speedy connection, typically taking around 29 minutes. Alternatively, airport limousine buses are available and provide a comfortable, albeit longer, journey. Taxis are also an option for door-to-door service, though they are the most costly.

Can I fly directly from the US to BTS?

No, you cannot fly directly from the United States to Gimpo International Airport (BTS). All international flights from the US land at Incheon International Airport (ICN). From ICN, you will need to take an internal transfer, such as the AREX train or an airport bus, to reach BTS for your onward domestic or regional international flight.

Which airlines offer the cheapest flights to BTS?

The airlines that generally offer the cheapest flights to BTS are South Korea's low-cost carriers (LCCs). These include Jeju Air, T'way Air, Jin Air, Air Busan, and Eastar Jet. These airlines focus on domestic routes within South Korea and also operate many affordable regional international flights to nearby Asian destinations. It's always recommended to compare prices across different airlines and booking platforms.

Is BTS or ICN better for international travel?

For international travel from the United States, Incheon International Airport (ICN) is overwhelmingly the better choice. It is the primary hub for long-haul international flights and serves as South Korea's main gateway for intercontinental travel. Gimpo International Airport (BTS) primarily handles domestic flights and shorter international routes to neighboring Asian countries.