Passengers wait in line to check in for their flight to Jeju Island. [Photo/Nantong Daily]

Donghai Airlines flight DZ6329 took off from Nantong Xingdong International Airport on Sept 2, bound for Jeju Island, South Korea, marking the successful resumption of this route after a four-year suspension.

The flights, operated on a Boeing 737-800, run on Mondays and Fridays. Departures from Nantong are scheduled for 1:50 pm, arriving in Jeju Island at 4:30 pm, while return flights leave Jeju Island at 5:30 pm, landing in Nantong at 6:10 pm. The above flight times are local.

Geng Yulei, general manager of Donghai Airlines' Nantong base, noted that this is the airline's first international route to resume this year, with the inaugural flight nearly fully booked.

Jeju Island, South Korea's largest island, is renowned for its distinct four seasons, mild climate, rich and diverse tourism offerings, and the added convenience of visa-free access.

The reopening of the Nantong-Jeju Island route not only introduces a fresh travel option for passengers from Nantong and surrounding areas but also fosters exchanges and collaboration in multiple domains like economy, trade, culture, and tourism between the two regions.

In addition, the Nantong airport plans to introduce more international routes, with the Nantong-Osaka route scheduled to resume by the end of October.

During the recently concluded summer vacation, the Nantong airport handled 832,700 passengers, an increase of 4.85 percent compared to the previous year, setting a new record.