Asiana Airlines will close its Saipan office on June 30 and end its Incheon-Saipan route after following three decades of service in the CNMI.

In an email announcement sent to KUAM, Regional Manager Intak Hwang said, “Asiana Airlines has been the front runner in providing quality air travel to Saipan residents and promoting Korean tourism in the CNMI since May 1992. We are proud of all that we have accomplished together with our island partners and would like to thank you all for your loyalty and support in the last 32 years.”

He added, “Please be assured that we will maintain and deliver the high standard of professionalism and service that has set Asiana Airlines apart from competitors until our final flight from Saipan.”

KUAM has reached out to the Commonwealth Ports Authority for comment.

Marianas Visitors Authority managing director Chris Concepcion told KUAM in a statement, “The cost of doing business in the CNMI has increased significantly so that is an important factor in their decision to suspend flights. Asiana had previously announced a suspension of flights to take effect in March 2024 but they extended that to June. We understand that a majority of customers coming in on Asiana were connecting from mainland China, with a smaller number coming from Korea. Asiana Airlines is currently undergoing some financial challenges and we expect them to eventually be purchased outright by Korean Air later this year once all government approvals are received. When that happens, Asiana Airlines as an entity will permanently cease to exist. We are in talks with Korean Air now about taking up the Seoul- Saipan route and hopefully will have some good news in the coming months. We extend our gratitude to Asiana Airlines for their 32 years of service to The Marianas and look forward to working with Jeju Air, Tway and others to fill the demand for seats from Korea and other countries.”

This is a developing story.