"면세점 쇼핑하러 비행기 타요"…국제 관광 비행 1년간 허용

You may have heard the saying, "It's the journey that matters, not the destination."
But, in this case, it's literally the case.
South Korea, today, unveiled its pandemic style "flights to nowhere" scheme where air passengers will be able to purchase duty-free goods upon their return to Incheon International Airport after tooling around the nearby skies.
The program is valid for the next year and Seoul's latest efforts to revitalize the Covid-19 hit aviation and retail industries.
Our Kim Dami has the details.
Travelers in South Korea will be able to board airplanes and enjoy duty free shopping but without actually landing at another airport.
The introduction of a one-year 'flights to nowhere' scheme comes as the government aims to revitalize sectors which have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
"To meet demand for travel and to support related industries, the government has decided to go ahead with the no overseas landing tourist flights during a time when there needs to be a breakthrough in the aviation and tourism industries."
In September, some local low-cost airlines introduced a scheme where planes take off and return to the same airport a few hours later.
But the latest edition will be international, crossing over other countries' borders before returning to Korea.
Duty free shopping deals will be available for travelers just for like on a regular flight. Passengers will also be able to enjoy duty free shopping at the airport.
But virus prevention and quarantine measures will be in effect to their fullest.
The daily number of flights will be limited and passengers must wear masks at all times.
A non-contact immigration process will be in place to separate passengers from regular flights.
However, returning travelers will be exempt from self-quarantine or COVID-19 testing.
The service will begin as soon as the government and the related industries finalize the process...expected to be by the end of the month.
Kim Dami, Arirang News.