South Korean low-cost carrier T’way Air will be one of two new airlines to begin operating direct Sydney-Seoul flights next month.

From 24 December 2022, T’way Air will launch 4x weekly seasonal flights between Sydney and Seoul’s Incheon Airport using Airbus A330-300 aircraft.

T’way Air has been operating under that name since 2010 with a fleet of Boeing 737s. It recently acquired a small fleet of Airbus A330-300s, which it currently uses to fly from Seoul to Jeju, Osaka, Singapore and Bangkok.

Although T’way Air is a low-cost carrier, it offers 12 angle-flat Business Class seats on its Airbus A330 aircraft. These seats are almost identical to the Premium Flatbed seats found on AirAsia X.

On T’way Air, Business Class passengers flying from Sydney to Seoul receive two complimentary meals on board, a 40kg baggage allowance, 2x10kg carry-on bags and priority check-in, boarding and baggage. However, there is no lounge access available.

On its Sydney-Seoul flights, it will also provide all Economy passengers with a complimentary 30kg checked baggage allowance and a meal on board. Economy seats are laid out in a comfortable 2-4-2 configuration.

T’way Air does not have a frequent flyer program.

T’way Air schedule & pricing

The South Korean low-cost airline will operate from Sydney on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays, starting from 24 December 2022. The seasonal flights will run until 26 March 2023.

This is the schedule:

• TW502 Sydney 12:15 – Seoul (Incheon) 21:05
• TW501 Seoul (Incheon) 22:20 – Sydney 10:45 (+1 day)

It’s not yet clear whether the service will be extended beyond March or return in time for Christmas in 2023, but no flights are currently on sale beyond March 2023.

Although the airline is currently advertising Sydney-Seoul lead-in fares from $380 one-way, this amount excludes taxes. Economy airfares are currently offered from $484.25 one-way or $939.11 round-trip, including taxes. Business Class fares from Sydney to Seoul start at $1,862.25 one-way or $3,699.11 return.

Jetstar is currently offering Economy flights from Sydney to Seoul from $890 return, but this excludes extras like baggage or meals.

Three new airlines flying Sydney-Seoul

Jetstar just launched new direct flights from Sydney to South Korea’s capital and largest city last week, using its Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners.

“We’ve seen huge demand for this service as our customers get excited about international travel once again,” Jetstar Chief Customer and Commercial Officer Alan McIntyre said.

Next month, Qantas will also launch non-stop flights from Sydney to Seoul for the first time since 2008. Australian Frequent Flyer understands that these flights have been selling well.

Jetstar, Qantas and T’way Air join Korean Air and Asiana in offering direct flights between Sydney and Seoul.

Before the pandemic, Korean Air flew from Brisbane to Seoul. Korean Air will run this route again for a couple of months over the peak Australian summer period, but has not yet committed to a permanent return to Brisbane.

Jetstar also flew from the Gold Coast to Seoul prior to COVID-19, but has since axed this route in favour of Sydney-Seoul.

For a few years towards the end of the last decade, South Korean low-cost carrier Jin Air had also operated a seasonal Cairns-Seoul flight over the Australian summer.

You can leave a comment or discuss this topic on the Australian Frequent Flyer forum.

Matt Graham

The editor of Australian Frequent Flyer, Matt's passion for travel has taken him to over 90 countries… with the help of frequent flyer points, of course!
Matt's favourite destinations (so far) are Germany, Brazil & Kazakhstan. His interests include aviation, economics & foreign languages, and he has a soft spot for good food and red wine.

You can connect with Matt by posting on the Australian Frequent Flyer community forum and tagging @AFF Editor.