New Korean airline adds fifth destination in U.S.

Korean airline Air Premia is flying to Washington, D.C.
The airline will begin offering flights from Seoul Incheon International Airport (ICN) to Dulles International Airport (IAD) on April 24, according to the Washington Metropolitan Airports Authority, operator of IAD. Flights operate every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday, using a 320-seat Boeing 787-9.
Air Premia describes itself as a “hybrid airline” that blends “excellent service with affordable airfares.” The company began operating revenue flights in 2021 and launched its first nonstop flight to the United States a year later.
The airline’s 787-9 aircraft have 56 premium cabin reclining seats (equivalent to other airlines’ long-haul premium economy cabins) in a 2-3-2 configuration, and 253 economy class seats in a 3-3-3 configuration.
Air Premia is IAD’s third international route added in 2026. United Airlines will begin flying to IAD from Keflavik Airport (KEF) in Iceland in May, and Air Canada will begin flying to IAD from Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ) in June.
IAD is the South Korean carrier’s fifth U.S. destination since it begins trans-Pacific flights in 2022, schedule data from aviation analytics firm Cirium shows. Air Premia also serves Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), Honolulu Daniel Inouye International Airport (HNL), Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) and San Francisco International Airport (SFO).
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“The launch of the Washington route marks an important milestone in Air Premia’s expansion in North America,” Air Premia CEO Myungsub Yoo said in a statement. “By connecting Seoul and Washington, the political and economic center of the United States, we aim to provide optimized services to business and leisure travelers.”
The airline also offers flights from Washington, D.C., to Asian destinations such as Bangkok and Hong Kong via Seoul.
While Air Premia has its own loyalty program, Premia Members, it lacks any airline or loyalty partners.
Cirium timetable shows that the airline will compete with Korean Air on the IAD-ICN route.
Editorial Disclaimer: The opinions expressed here are those of the author, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline, or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.



