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Air Premia Expands U.S. Footprint With New Nonstop Flights to Washington Dulles

Air Premia Expands U.S. Footprint With New Nonstop Flights to Washington Dulles

Thursday Jan 08, 2026

Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) is set to welcome a new international carrier this spring as Air Premia, a fast‑growing South Korean “hybrid airline,” launches nonstop service between Seoul and the nation’s capital. Beginning April 24, 2026, the airline will operate four weekly flights from Incheon International Airport (ICN) to Dulles, marking a major milestone in its North American expansion.

This new route positions Washington, D.C. as Air Premia’s fifth U.S. destination, joining Los Angeles, San Francisco, Newark, and Honolulu. The addition strengthens the airline’s presence across both coasts and reflects rising demand for travel between the United States and South Korea.

 

✈️ A New Option for Travelers Between Seoul and Washington

Air Premia will operate the route using its 320‑seat Boeing 787‑9 Dreamliner, featuring:

  • 56 Premium‑class reclining seats (similar to premium economy)

  • 253 economy seats in a spacious 3‑3‑3 layout

The airline’s “hybrid” model blends full‑service comfort with more affordable fares, offering checked bags, meals, and roomy seating without the high price tag of legacy carriers.

Flights will run Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, giving both business and leisure travelers flexible options throughout the week.

 

🌏 Why Washington, D.C. Was Chosen

According to Air Premia CEO Myungsub Yoo, the decision to add Washington reflects the city’s importance as a political, economic, and diplomatic hub. The region also has one of the largest Korean communities in the United States, making the route valuable for both cultural and commercial travel.

The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority estimates the new service could generate over $50 million in annual economic impact for the region.

 

🌐 Connecting the DMV to Asia

Beyond nonstop service to Seoul, Air Premia will offer convenient onward connections to major Asian destinations such as:

  • Bangkok

  • Hong Kong

  • Tokyo

  • Da Nang

This gives D.C.‑area travelers more options for reaching Asia without long layovers or complicated itineraries.

 

🛫 Growing Competition at Dulles

Air Premia will compete directly with Korean Air, which already operates flights between IAD and ICN. The new entrant adds more choice and potentially more competitive pricing for travelers heading to South Korea and beyond.

The route also joins a wave of international growth at Dulles, including new flights from United Airlines and Air Canada launching in 2026.

 

🚗 What This Means for Travelers Using Dulles Airport

With more international airlines choosing IAD, the airport continues to strengthen its role as a major global gateway. For travelers in the Washington, Maryland, and Virginia region, this expansion means:

  • More flight options

  • More competitive fares

  • Better access to Asia

  • Increased convenience for business and leisure travel

For transportation providers like LiveryAccess, the growth of international routes at Dulles creates even greater demand for reliable airport transfers, premium black car service, and seamless travel experiences.

 
Imran
Imran Author