(C) Bangkok Post
SEOUL— South Korea's plan to boost regional connectivity by constructing small airports on remote islands, including Ulleungdo, Baeknyeongdo, and Heuksando, is facing a critical challenge: a severe shortage of small-scale air carriers willing and able to operate the routes.
The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport (MOLIT) recently acknowledged this predicament in its "4th Aviation Policy Master Plan," identifying the "lack of small air transport operators" and "multiple airport development plans" as key weaknesses in its policy execution. The Ministry candidly stated that while several island airports are set to open soon, "measures for successful opening and stable operation support are absent."
The Ulleungdo Conundrum
The issue is most immediate with the Ulleung Airport, the only island airport currently under construction, scheduled for a potential 2028 opening. Designed to accommodate only small aircraft—specifically, those with 80 seats or less—the airport's operational viability is jeopardized by a domestic market that barely supports this niche.
According to the report, only one domestic airline, Sum Air (섬에어), currently possesses the type of aircraft, such as the ATR-72-600, required to service Ulleung Airport. Another carrier that previously used small aircraft, Hi Air, is currently undergoing rehabilitation proceedings, underscoring the precarious nature of the small-scale aviation business in South Korea.
Profitability Concerns: The Core Barrier
The fundamental problem lies in the unfavorable economics of these routes. Even if an initial carrier is secured, the long-term sustainability is uncertain. This is a pattern already observed in existing regional airports, where airlines frequently suspend or cancel routes to smaller provincial airports or domestic routes due to declining profitability.
MOLIT's analysis highlighted the structural vulnerability of these regional facilities: "Small-scale provincial airports, which have a high dependency on a single route, are structurally weak, with airport functions virtually paralyzed if a specific airline pulls out."
The outlook for smaller projects, such as Baeknyeong and Heuksan Airports, is even grimmer, as their smaller size translates to even lower expected profitability. There is a tangible risk that these facilities, once completed, will struggle to find a single operator, forcing the government and local authorities to offer significant subsidies to maintain operations.
Expert Insight and Government Response
Experts argue that the construction of island airports without a corresponding domestic market is the root of the issue. Yoon Mun-gil, head of the Korea Aviation Industry Institute, pointed out that the seasonal nature of island travel—with demand sharply decreasing in the off-season—makes it difficult to guarantee profitability for small operators. Furthermore, financially supporting airlines through government or local budgets creates a fairness issue with existing transport options like ferries.
"This is a fundamental problem arising from building airports without the necessary domestic small air transport market size to support them," Yoon stated.
In response, the government intends to use the opening of Ulleung Airport as a catalyst to revitalize the small air transport business. A MOLIT official stated that the opening is seen as an opportunity to create viable business conditions, which have historically been difficult due to competition with Low-Cost Carriers (LCCs) and the operation of only niche routes. The Ministry is committed to developing strategies to help small carriers "take root" in the market.
In addition to supporting small carriers, the MOLIT's master plan proposes utilizing underused provincial airports as "testbeds" for future technologies, such as eco-friendly or autonomous aircraft. It also plans to broaden the industry base by supporting the use of light aircraft for private and leisure purposes.
The development of island airports is a significant step toward improving access and promoting regional balance. However, the MOLIT must move swiftly to develop a robust support framework that addresses the severe profitability challenges and the scarcity of suitable aircraft and operators. Without decisive action, these new island gateways risk becoming expensive monuments with no planes to land.
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