An Eastar Jet's airplane. [Photo/Yongpai App]

A Boeing 737 operated by South Korea's Eastar Jet departed Ningbo Lishe International Airport with 181 passengers on board, bound for Incheon International Airport near Seoul on Aug 1, marking the return of the route after a five-year suspension.

The restored service operates twice a week, with round-trip flights every Tuesday and Saturday. The journey takes approximately two hours.

The route had been suspended since 2021, requiring travelers from Ningbo to transfer through cities such as Shanghai, Qingdao or Hong Kong, with total travel times often reaching six to eight hours. The direct connection now saves passengers more than four hours each way, offering a faster and more convenient option for business trips, tourism, and family visits.

Passengers welcomed the route's return, with one traveler noting that the nonstop flight would make travel much more convenient.

The resumption of the Seoul service is also a key milestone in revitalizing Ningbo airport's international connections. By reestablishing a direct route to the South Korean capital, the airport continues to reinforce its East Asian route network and its position as a regional aviation hub, offering residents more efficient and cost-effective international travel options.