South Korea MOLIT announces additional support measures for aviation industry

18 March, 2020

South Korea's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MOLIT) announced (18-Mar-2020) further countermeasures to support the country's aviation industry due to "unprecedented difficulty" from the coronavirus pandemic. The ministry estimates the measures will provide local airlines an exemption of KRW65.6 billion (USD52 million) worth of airport usage fees and allow later payments for KRW500.5 billion (USD399 million) worth of charges. Additional support measures include the following:

  • The ministry will not reclaim unused traffic rights and slots as airlines continue to cut capacity due to travel restrictions placed by several countries. As of 17-Mar-2020, 150 countries and territories imposed restrictions on travellers from South Korea;
  • Airport facility fees will be discounted;
  • Due to the increasing number of aircraft being parked at airports, the ministry will exempt airlines from parking fees for three months from Mar-2020;
  • Air navigation charges: Aircraft operating in Korea's airspace will be exempt from charges for three months from Apr-2020;
  • Landing charges: Reduced by up to 20% for two months from Mar-2020. Previously, a reduction in landing charges was scheduled to come into effect from Jun-2020;
  • Ground operators: 20% discount and deferred payment for three months;
  • Airport ancillary services: Inflight meals and refuelling payment will be deferred by three months from Mar-2020. [more - original PR - Korean]