The Marianas Visitors Authority said T’Way Air and Jeju Airlines, which operate daily flights to the CNMI, are seeking support to reduce potential losses as the islands enter the low season before summer.
MVA managing director Jamika Taijeron said the two low-cost carriers are experiencing some profitability issues and are requesting “hard blocks”—guaranteed seat purchases—from local hotel partners and travel agencies to secure steady bookings this coming March 2026.
“They want hard blocks, and if they're not able to obtain those, they would like to get financial support,” Taijeron said. “Support to reduce their potential losses, basically covering any unsold seats.”
Each airline currently operates daily flights to Saipan, with a capacity of 189 seats per flight. Taijeron said the airlines are particularly focused on local hotel partners and travel agencies covering about 120 unsold seats per flight during the low season.
While the MVA and local partners are exploring options, Taijeron cautioned that financial support could be a “difficult situation” due to limited local resources.
During last week’s Commonwealth Ports Authority board meeting, CPA executive director Esther Ada provided an overview of air service into Saipan: United continues daily flights from Guam; Narita operates three times a week; Jeju Air and T’Way Air maintain daily schedules; Air Busan charters run through February 2028; Hong Kong Airlines flies twice weekly; and Philippine Airlines will launch twice-weekly flights from Manila beginning March 29.
Taijeron said the MVA continues to coordinate with airlines to provide logistical support as carriers adjust schedules for the upcoming summer travel season.
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