The inaugural ceremony of the first direct passenger flights between Turkkmenistan and the Republic of Korea was held

On July 14, 2025, an opening ceremony was held at the Incheon International Airport, Republic of Korea, to mark the launch of the first regular passenger flight on the Ashgabat-Seoul-Ashgabat route by the “Türkmenhowaýollary” State service and “Turkmenistan Airlines” OJSC.

The event was attended by high-ranking Korean officials, including Mr. Lee Hak-yong, Vice Speaker of the National Assembly; Mr. Kim Yong-kuk, Director General for Aviation Policy at the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport; Mr. Sang-yong Lee, Business development director of Incheon Airport Corporation; Mr. Park John Pil, CEO and Chairman of the “Pacific Air Agency”; representatives of Korean companies, the mass media, as well as Deputy chairman of “Türkmenhowaýollary” State service Mr. N. Kakabayev and the Embassy of Turkmenistan in the Republic of Korea.

The aircraft landed at Terminal 1 of Incheon International Airport at 20:45 local time and was warmly welcomed by boys and girls dressed in traditional Turkmen and Korean attire, offering snacks and flowers as a gesture of hospitality.

Then with the participation of official representatives from both sides, the opening ceremony of the first regular passenger flights on the Ashgabat-Seoul-Ashgabat route took place. During the event, speakers emphasized that the establishment of these flights is clear evidence of the growing level of Turkmen-Korean relations. They stated that this historic event plays an important role in raising bilateral interstate relations to a qualitatively new level.

Ambassador B.Durdyyev, in his remarks, spoke about the current state of political, economic, and humanitarian cooperation between Turkmenistan and the Republic of Korea. He also presented the program of events being held in Turkmenistan and abroad in honor of the 30th anniversary of the adoption of Resolution by the General Assembly of the United Nations on the permanent Neutrality of our country and the proclamation of 2025 as the “International Year of Peace and Trust” by a special resolution of the United Nations.

He further noted that the launch of direct passenger flights during this year of significant celebrations serves as a valuable gift to the peoples of Turkmenistan and Korea from the Honorable President of Turkmenistan and the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan.

After the speeches, the participants ceremonially cut the ribbon, officially inaugurating the passenger flight, and took a commemorative photograph.