Korean Air Launches Double Daily Flights to Atlanta Starting May

Korean Air is set to significantly enhance its service between Seoul and Atlanta, increasing flights to double daily starting on May 11, 2025. This expansion marks a pivotal shift for the airline, which will no longer utilize the Boeing 747-8i on this route. Instead, it will operate the Boeing 777-300ER, a model known for its substantial passenger and freight capacity, accommodating 277 passengers across three classes.

The decision to boost flight frequency is partly influenced by the close partnership between Korean Air and Delta Air Lines, both members of the SkyTeam alliance. Atlanta’s status as the world’s busiest airport in terms of passenger numbers further underscores the strategic importance of this route. According to Cirium Diio, while Atlanta ranks second globally for aircraft movements, it sits at 18th for available seat miles, primarily due to a high volume of short-haul domestic flights.

Details of the Expanded Schedule

Currently, Korean Air operates a single daily flight to Atlanta. Starting March 29, 2025, this frequency will rise to 11 weekly flights, culminating in the full double daily service by mid-May. The Boeing 777-300ER will feature eight first-class seats, 42 in business class, and 227 economy seats, ensuring a diverse offering for travelers.

This increase in service represents a 51% rise in available seats for sale daily, enhancing Korean Air’s competitive position in the market. Delta Air Lines, which also flies double daily on this route, is expected to maintain its schedule, potentially leading to a record four daily flights connecting Atlanta and Seoul. The previous high was three flights per day.

A Longstanding Presence in Atlanta

Korean Air has provided passenger services to Atlanta since 1994, initially offering both nonstop and one-stop flights via other major hubs such as Chicago O’Hare and Dallas/Fort Worth. The airline has operated nonstop services since the early 2000s, utilizing various aircraft types over the years, including the A380 and 747-400. Currently, the Boeing 777-300ER is the sole aircraft type on this route.

Data from the US Department of Transportation reveals that Korean Air transported approximately 224,500 passengers to and from Atlanta in the year ending July 2025, achieving an 86% seat load factor. In comparison, Delta Air Lines carried 352,700 passengers with a slightly lower load factor of 85%. Notably, around 20% of Korean Air’s passengers connected to other flights in Seoul, with popular destinations including Ho Chi Minh City, Pusan, Manila, Beijing, and Bangkok.

The connectivity provided by Korean Air is crucial for passengers traveling between the US and Asia. Booking data indicates that 36% of travelers commenced or concluded their journey in Seoul and transferred to Delta flights, with significant traffic reported to cities like Savannah, Orlando, Nashville, and Lima. The prominence of Savannah can be attributed to the Hyundai-LG electric vehicle battery plant located in the region.

As Korean Air prepares for this expansion, the airline demonstrates its commitment to enhancing connectivity between major international markets. The rise to double daily flights is poised to meet the growing demand for air travel between South Korea and the United States, particularly as peak travel seasons approach.