‍DALLAS – Seoul-based low-cost carrier (LCC) T'WAY Air (TW) has launched its first European route with the start of service into the Croatian capital's Zagreb Airport (ZAG). The route will be operated on a seasonal basis from Seoul Airport (SEL), with summer flights offered from May 16. 

This thrice-weekly service marks the first time a budget airline has launched long-haul operations to the region. Moreover, the launch of TW’s flights ends an almost five-year hiatus of flights between the two countries. TW’s 347-seat Airbus A330-300 aircraft, featuring twelve seats in business class and 335 in economy, will operate the service three times a week. 

As per an airport media release, Mr. Nicolas Duthilleul, COO of Zagreb Airport, expressed his pleasure with the service between SEL and ZAG. 

"We're glad to see two important capital cities reconnected with scheduled flights after 5 years hiatus. We are aware that Koreans are so much in love with Croatia, and we'll try our best to provide a smooth and joyful travel experience, as well as nice memories to our guests. We see this year as a start to rebuild direct connectivity with Korea and will work on extending these flights to year-round with more frequencies and onward connecting options."

Zagreb Airport is TW’s first destination in Europe and is expected to be followed by the launch of services into Paris (PAR), Rome (ROM), Barcelona (BCN), and Frankfurt (FRA). This will enable improved relations and exchanges between Korea and countries in Europe. 

Mr. Hong-Geun Jeong, CEO of T'way Air, said, "T'way Air is committed to developing the tourism industry in Croatia as well as fostering a mutual beneficial relationship between the two countries by promoting more human and material exchanges."

Technical Stop En-route to ZAG

TW’s flights to ZAG include a technical stop in Bishkek (FRU) in Kyrgyzstan on the outbound flight, due to the aircraft range and to avoid flying over Russian airspace. Since the journey time of fifteen hours and twenty minutes on the outbound and ten hours and 55 minutes on the inbound is quite lengthy, onboard service differs from most other TW flights. 

All passengers are offered two complimentary meals. There is no in-flight entertainment, though economy class seats have USB ports, while business class seats have power outlets. Baggage allowance for economy class passengers is based on fare type but is complimentary. Seat selection is offered as an add on when making flight reservations. 

EXYU Aviation states that TW’s inaugural flight operated with "a load factor of 97%." However, seats are not sold for the SEL and FRU sector.