It will become possible to fly directly from Gimpo Airport and domestic regional airports to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The governments of Korea and the UAE reached an agreement at the International Civil Aviation Organization Air Services Negotiation (ICAN) 2025 in the Dominican Republic to establish a new "regional airport-only traffic right" for four weekly flights.

Previously, only two routes between Incheon Airport and Abu Dhabi were in operation, but the routes can now be expanded.

A view of the Louvre Abu Dhabi, which has established itself as a signature tourist attraction in the UAE. /Courtesy of Abu Dhabi Tourism

The government said, "When airlines apply to operate regional-UAE routes in the future, we will swiftly support related permits and approvals," and noted, "We will continue to enhance the travel convenience of residents in regional areas by creating regional-only traffic rights."

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