Saturday, June 14, 2025
The US and South Korea are together creating a new world of global connectivity with Delta Airlines’ historic nonstop service between the two countries. This new route, representing a significant milestone in travel accessibility, opens strong new possibilities for business and leisure travelers. With daily nonstop service to Seoul Incheon, Delta is transforming the ways people will travel, lifting the world of travel to new levels and solidifying the strategic relationship between the US and South Korea.
Salt Lake City has long been a major hub for Delta Air Lines, ranking as the fourth-busiest in terms of flight operations. However, for the past 14 years, the city had been without direct service to Asia. That changed on June 12, when Delta launched its long-awaited route to Seoul Incheon, marking the first direct flight from Salt Lake City to South Korea. This route also became the longest in the airport’s history, adding a significant international connection for the city and the surrounding region.
This is not the first time Salt Lake City has attempted to establish Asian connections. In 2009, during the partnership between Delta and Northwest Airlines, the airport briefly offered flights to Tokyo Narita. The service, operated by Northwest with an Airbus A330-200, allowed passengers to connect to various destinations across Asia via the Narita hub. However, the flights were discontinued in 2011, and Salt Lake City went without direct Asian services until this year’s Seoul launch.
New Route to Seoul Incheon
The newly inaugurated route between Salt Lake City and Seoul Incheon is a major milestone for Delta. The route spans 5,132 nautical miles (9,504 kilometers) each way, making it the longest destination from Salt Lake City. It operates daily during the summer months and three times per week during the winter. The flights are operated by Delta’s Airbus A350-900 aircraft, which, with 275 seats, is the airline’s lowest-capacity, highest-premium configuration. This aircraft is particularly notable as it is part of Delta’s centennial celebration, sporting a special “100 Years” livery.
Delta’s flight schedule from Salt Lake City to Seoul offers a unique departure and arrival pattern. The outbound flight, DL173, departs daily at 11:40 AM and arrives in Seoul at 3:20 PM the following day. The return flight, DL172, leaves Seoul at 7:40 PM and arrives in Salt Lake City at 4:00 PM on the same day, allowing for quick connections to other parts of the US.
SkyTeam Alliance and Codeshare Benefits
The new route to Seoul Incheon is part of Delta’s larger strategy to expand its network in partnership with its SkyTeam alliance members, particularly Korean Air. Incheon is the second-busiest Asian airport for SkyTeam, and the alliance plays a crucial role in Delta’s Asian operations. Delta and Korean Air have an extensive codeshare agreement, with Delta offering connections to over 30 airports across Asia via Seoul. Conversely, Korean Air’s codeshare agreements with Delta open up access to more than 50 airports in North America, making this route an essential link for both local and international travelers.
The codeshare agreements are vital to the success of the Salt Lake City-Seoul route. With only 13,000 passengers flying from Salt Lake City to Seoul last year, the route is expected to rely heavily on passengers connecting through Salt Lake City to reach destinations in both Asia and North America. For example, travelers from Phoenix can fly via Salt Lake City to reach Seoul, and those traveling from Seoul can connect through Salt Lake City to other destinations within the US.
Delta’s Growing International Reach from Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City’s new Seoul route adds to Delta’s growing long-haul network, which already includes connections to key international destinations. In addition to Seoul, Delta operates daily flights to Amsterdam, Paris, and London Heathrow from Salt Lake City. The Amsterdam route is particularly strong, with a daily Delta A350-900 flight and a three-times-weekly flight operated by KLM, a fellow SkyTeam member. Paris also receives daily service from Salt Lake City with Delta’s A330-900 aircraft, while London Heathrow sees five weekly flights on Delta’s A330-200.
Despite these additions, long-haul flights still make up a small portion of Delta’s operations from Salt Lake City. Only one out of every 77 flights from Salt Lake City is a long-haul service, compared to one out of every 26 flights at Delta’s largest hub in Atlanta. Nonetheless, Salt Lake City’s growth in international routes reflects Delta’s ongoing investment in the region and its importance as a key hub for connecting the US and international markets.
Long-Haul Services and Market Development
While Salt Lake City’s four long-haul destinations are significant, they do not represent a new high. In 2023, Delta offered service to Frankfurt, Germany, from Salt Lake City, but the route was discontinued in September of that year. Prior to the pandemic, Salt Lake City had no more than three long-haul destinations, making the current offerings a significant step forward in expanding international connectivity.
The success of the Seoul route will depend not only on local demand but also on the strength of Delta’s partnerships within the SkyTeam alliance and the growing need for international connections in the Mountain West region. The addition of the Seoul Incheon route opens up new travel opportunities for both leisure and business travelers, especially as South Korea continues to play a pivotal role in global commerce and tourism.
Conclusion
US and South Korea become more interconnected with the new nonstop service of Delta Airlines, achieving a historic feat and transforming the access of travel between the two countries. This breakthrough route presents unrivaled possibilities for tourists and business travelers alike.
Delta’s return to Asia from Salt Lake City with the Seoul Incheon route marks a historic moment for the airline and the city. The introduction of this long-haul service, combined with Delta’s expanding network through its SkyTeam alliances, strengthens Salt Lake City’s position as a growing international hub. As the route grows and more travelers connect through Salt Lake City, the airline’s commitment to expanding its global footprint will only continue to benefit both passengers and the local economy. With Salt Lake City now connecting to four long-haul destinations, it is clear that Delta’s investment in the region is paying off and contributing to the airline’s overall success in North America and abroad.
