SAIPAN — Korean carrier T’way Air has announced a temporary suspension of its Seoul-Saipan service from May 5 through October 24, 2026, covering its full summer operating schedule, in a move that strips the CNMI of half its air connections to its top visitor source market.
The airline cited rising global aviation fuel costs, fuel supply constraints and softening travel demand linked to the ongoing Middle East crisis as the drivers behind the decision, according to official notification sent to the Marianas Visitors Authority.
Korea accounts for approximately 64 percent of total visitor arrivals to the Marianas, making the suspension one of the most significant disruptions to hit the tourism-dependent economy in recent years.
“This development is deeply concerning and reflects broader global challenges impacting the aviation industry,” said MVA Managing Director Jamika Taijeron. “The suspension of T’way represents a loss of half of our flights from our top source market Korea.”
Governor David M. Apatang said the announcement underscores the Commonwealth’s exposure to forces outside its control. “This announcement highlights the vulnerability of our economy to external forces beyond our control, including global instability that is affecting both travel demand and airline operations,” Apatang said. “Tourism remains the backbone of the Commonwealth, and air service is its lifeline.”
Apatang said his administration is committed to working with federal partners, airline stakeholders and local industry to protect and restore air access, and pledged support for local businesses directly impacted by the disruption.
MVA Board Chairman Warren Villagomez said the authority is actively engaging federal partners, including the Department of the Interior, to explore bringing additional carriers into the CNMI. “We recognize the immediate impact this will have on our local businesses and are working closely with the Governor to navigate solutions,” Villagomez said.
The MVA said it remains cautiously optimistic that improved global conditions could allow T’way to reconsider resuming service as early as July, ahead of the peak summer travel season. The authority said it is actively engaging airline partners, travel trade stakeholders and local industry to mitigate the impact and explore pathways to restore service.
Taijeron said the suspension reinforces the importance of long-term destination investment. “Tourism recovery is rarely linear, but we are confident that by continuing to invest in partnerships, marketing, and destination development, the Marianas will emerge stronger,” she said.
