Aero K to Launch Direct Matsuyama-Cheongju Route in January 2027 as Ehime Air Connectivity Reaches Record 27 Weekly Flights

South Korean low-cost carrier Aero K will introduce a scheduled route connecting Matsuyama Airport with Cheongju International Airport on January 2, 2027. Operating three times weekly on Airbus A320 aircraft, the service expands Matsuyama's international network to a record 27 weekly flights.

[MATSUYAMA, Japan, Oct 7, 2026] — Ehime Prefecture confirmed on September 30, 2026, that South Korean low-cost airline Aero K has finalized plans to introduce scheduled passenger flights between Matsuyama Airport (MYJ) and Cheongju International Airport (CJJ) starting January 2, 2027.

The 90-minute short-haul international service will operate three times weekly on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays using Airbus A320 aircraft. The launch represents Matsuyama Airport’s first new international route addition in roughly three years, raising the airport’s total international network to 27 weekly flights across Seoul, Busan, Taipei, and Cheongju.

Route Operational Parameter	Official Route Schedule & Aircraft Specification	Strategic & Economic Relevance
Origin & Destination	Matsuyama Airport (MYJ) <-> Cheongju (CJJ)	First Shikoku region route for Aero K
Scheduled Launch Date	January 2, 2027	Confirmed via internal decision on Sep 30, 2026
Weekly Operating Frequency	3 flights per week (Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays)	Regular year-round low-cost scheduling
Aircraft Equipment	Airbus A320	Single-aisle regional jet deployment
Estimated Flight Time	Approximately 90 minutes	Direct short-haul transit bypassing Tokyo/Osaka
Catchment Population	~5.5 million in central South Korea	Cheongju commercial trade & tourism region
Projected Economic Impact	¥1.2 billion annually	Private-sector think tank economic estimate

Phased Testing Follows Sold-Out Charter Flights in June 2026

The decision to establish a year-round scheduled service follows a multi-phase testing process by Aero K and Ehime prefectural authorities.

In June 2026, Aero K operated an initial inbound charter program between Cheongju and Matsuyama, completing four round trips on June 2, 4, 6, and 9. All charter flights sold out completely, demonstrating strong demand from South Korean leisure travelers visiting historic Dogo Onsen, Matsuyama Castle, and regional golf courses across eastern and southern Ehime.

Following direct negotiations between prefectural delegates and airline executives in Cheongju in July, Aero K scheduled a second testing phase from October 14 to 25, 2026. Operating three times weekly on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, the six temporary round trips opened passenger sales to both outbound Japanese travelers from Ehime and inbound visitors from South Korea.

Testing Phase / Milestone	Operating Dates & Frequency	Commercial & Passenger Result
Phase 1: Inbound Charters	June 2, 4, 6, 9, 2026 (4 round trips)	100% passenger occupancy; sold out
Phase 2: Direct Negotiations	July 2026	Ehime officials meet Aero K team in Cheongju
Phase 3: Two-Way Temporary Flights	October 14–25, 2026 (6 round trips; Wed/Fri/Sun)	Tested outbound Ehime demand & airport operations
Phase 4: Scheduled Route Start	January 2, 2027 (3x weekly; Tue/Thu/Sat)	Full scheduled launch using Airbus A320

Ehime Secures Leading Korean Connectivity in Chugoku and Shikoku

With the addition of Cheongju, Ehime Prefecture will feature three direct non-stop connections to South Korea—Seoul, Busan, and Cheongju—giving Matsuyama Airport the highest number of South Korean routes among all airports in the combined Chugoku and Shikoku regions of Western Japan.

Cheongju Airport serves as Aero K’s primary operating base, providing a catchment area of approximately 5.5 million residents in central South Korea. By routing flights through Cheongju, Aero K offers central South Korean travelers a direct gateway to Shikoku without requiring surface transit to Seoul Incheon or Busan Gimhae airports.

Matsuyama Airport Destination	Direct Weekly Flights	Regional Market & Airline Focus
Seoul (Incheon / Gimpo)	Established frequency	Major metropolitan business & leisure hub
Busan (Gimhae)	Regular service	Primary Southern Korean gateway
Cheongju (CJJ)	3 weekly (Aero K A320)	Central South Korea LCC connection (Starts Jan 2, 2027)
Taipei (Taoyuan)	Scheduled service	Greater China / East Asian leisure market
Total International Network	27 weekly flights	Record international frequency for Matsuyama Airport

Economic Analysis Projects ¥1.2 Billion Annual Impact for Ehime

A private-sector think tank report cited by Ehime Prefecture estimates that the new Cheongju service could generate an annual economic impact of approximately ¥1.2 billion for the regional economy, benefiting local hotels, restaurants, retail, and transportation providers.

Tourism figures published by Ehime Prefecture show that foreign overnight stays increased by 28.6 percent year-on-year during the first half of 2026. Furthermore, total foreign guest nights in 2025 reached 2.7 times the levels recorded in pre-pandemic 2019.

To ensure long-term route sustainability, Ehime Prefecture is collaborating with local travel agencies and the Korea Tourism Organization to promote outbound travel to Cheongju among local residents, while offering support for university and vocational student exchange programs.

Tourism & Economic Indicator	Official Benchmark Figure	Growth Context
H1 2026 Foreign Guest Nights	+28.6% year-on-year increase	Strong growth across regional accommodation
2025 vs 2019 Foreign Guest Nights	2.7 times higher than 2019	Full recovery and expansion beyond pre-pandemic levels
Estimated Route Economic Output	¥1.2 billion per year	Captures hospitality, retail, and regional transit

Why This Matters: What It Means for Traveler Logistics and Itineraries

For international travelers and regional travel planners, the new route offers several practical advantages:

• Direct Access to Shikoku: South Korean travelers can access Matsuyama, Dogo Onsen, and the Shimanami Kaido cycling route via a 90-minute direct flight, bypassing major hubs like Tokyo or Osaka.
• Affordable Short-Haul Transit: Aero K's Airbus A320 service provides a budget-friendly low-cost carrier option for travelers exploring regional Japan.
• Expanded Outbound Travel: Residents of Ehime and Western Japan gain direct access to central South Korea via Cheongju International Airport.

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