T'Way to Suspend Seoul-Saipan Flights Amid Rising Fuel Costs and Global Travel Uncertainty

(MVA PR) Korean carrier T'way Air has announced the temporary suspension of its Seoul–Saipan service beginning May 5, 2026, through October 24, 2026, covering the airline’s summer operating schedule.

According to the airline’s official notification to the Marianas Visitors Authority (MVA), the decision is driven by a combination of rising global aviation fuel costs, fuel supply constraints, and softening travel demand linked to the ongoing Middle East crisis. These pressures have contributed not only to increased fuel prices and surcharges, but also to heightened traveler uncertainty and a slowdown in leisure travel demand across key markets. Governor David M. Apatang emphasized the broader economic implications.

“This announcement highlights the vulnerability of our economy to external forces beyond our control, including global instability that is affecting both travel demand and airline operations. Tourism remains the backbone of the Commonwealth, and air service is its lifeline,” said Apatang.

“My administration remains fully committed to working alongside our federal partners, airline stakeholders, and local industry to protect and restore access to our islands. We also remain committed to supporting our local businesses during these challenging times, recognizing the direct impact these disruptions have on their operations, their employees, and their ability to grow.”

Industry-wide, airlines are actively reassessing route networks and seasonal schedules as operating costs rise and market demand becomes less predictable.

“We recognize the immediate impact this will have on our local businesses and are working closely with the Governor to navigate solutions,” said MVA Board Chairman Warren Villagomez. “At the same time, we are actively engaging with our federal partners, including the Department of Interior, to explore opportunities to bring additional carriers into the CNMI and strengthen the stability of our air service moving forward.”

Korea continues to be the Marianas’ leading source market, accounting for approximately 64% of total visitor arrivals, making the impact of this suspension particularly significant.

“This development is deeply concerning and reflects broader global challenges impacting the aviation industry. The suspension of Tway represents a loss of half of our flights from our top source market Korea,” said MVA Managing Director Jamika Taijeron. “Our priority at the MVA is to stay engaged with our airline partners and maintain regular communication and coordination with both private and public sector partners as we continue to work toward stabilizing air service and rebuilding capacity.”

The MVA is actively engaging with airline partners, travel trade stakeholders, and local industry to mitigate the impact, sustain visitor demand, and explore pathways to restore service as soon as operating conditions improve. Taijeron added that moments like this reinforce the importance of strengthening the destination’s long-term strategy.

“Even during periods of uncertainty, we remain committed to showcasing what makes our islands truly Far from Ordinary—our natural beauty, our warm community, our Chamorro and Refaluwasch cultures, and the authentic experiences that visitors can find only in the Marianas,” she said. “Tourism recovery is rarely linear, but we are confident that by continuing to invest in partnerships, marketing, and destination development, the Marianas will emerge stronger.”

The MVA remains cautiously optimistic that improved global conditions, including stabilization in fuel supply and airline operations, may allow T’way to reconsider resuming service as early as July in support of the peak summer travel season.