The first international commercial flight has returned to Saipan, more than two months after Super Typhoon Sinlaku devastated the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI).
South Korean carrier Jeju Air landed at Francisco C Ada-Saipan International Airport early on Sunday, restoring direct international air service to the CNMI and marking a significant milestone in the territory’s tourism recovery.
Marianas Visitors Authority (MVA) marketing manager Andy Qin said the flight’s arrival was “the biggest step for the tourism recovery for our island”.
Qin said maintaining air links with South Korea was critical because it remains the CNMI’s largest tourism market.
“It’s also an opportunity for us to keep a connection with Korea. Because Korea is our main market, tourism market,” he said.
The return of Jeju Air comes after the MVA board approved a US$1.5 million sole-source agreement to support direct air service between South Korea and Saipan through October.
Tourism officials have argued the subsidy is necessary to preserve air connectivity and support the CNMI’s economic recovery following the typhoon, which disrupted international travel and damaged infrastructure across the islands.
Commonwealth Ports Authority executive director Esther Ada welcomed the flight’s return.
“We are pleased with the return of Jeju Airlines, bringing international flights back to Saipan after the typhoon, a very important step in the continued recovery and return of visitors to our islands,” Ada said.
South Korea accounts for about 70 percent of the CNMI’s visitor arrivals, according to the MVA.
Jeju Air is currently the only South Korean carrier committed to serving Saipan after T’Way Air withdrew from the market.
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