A New Era of Travel: Turkmenistan Launches First Direct Flight to Korea!

INCHEON — Turkmenistan launched its first-ever direct passenger flight between Incheon and Ashgabat on Monday, marking a major milestone in connectivity between South Korea and Central Asia.

This game-changing route, operating once a week every Monday, is set to revolutionize travel between the two regions. Not only does it boost access to Turkmenistan, but it also simplifies connections to major European hotspots like Frankfurt, Milan, and Istanbul. With Ashgabat — Turkmenistan’s capital and a key Silk Road city — as its hub, this route is basically your new BFF for East-West travel.

At the launch ceremony, Lee Hack-young, Deputy Speaker of Korea’s National Assembly, couldn’t contain his excitement about this historic moment in Turkmen-Korean relations.

\”This isn’t just a flight route, folks,\” Lee gushed. \”It’s a bridge connecting people, cities, and entire communities!\”

\”We’re talking new business opportunities, cultural exchanges that’ll blow your mind, and a chance to explore some seriously rich histories. It’s more than just hopping on a plane — it’s about bringing people together and making our world a little bit smaller and a whole lot cooler.\”

Turkmenistan’s vice minister of transport, Kakabayev Nazar, gave a shoutout to President Serdar Berdimuhamedov for giving their aviation sector a much-needed glow-up.
Nazar spilled the tea on recent investments in swanky new planes and top-notch aviation infrastructure, all part of a bigger plan to make Turkmenistan the next big thing in transport.

\”We’re not just opening a new chapter — we’re writing a whole new book in transport relations,\” Nazar declared. He then dropped the mic with some impressive stats: since April 2023, their cargo services have been crushing it, covering over 100,000 kilometers and moving more than 9,000 metric tons of goods.

Among the lucky first passengers was 21-year-old Korean traveler and adventure seeker Kwon Gyeong-min. \”This is my first European adventure, and being on this inaugural flight? Total pinch-me moment,\” Kwon shared with The Korea Herald, stars in his eyes.

\”Turkmenistan is like a hidden gem with mind-blowing attractions. Have you heard of the ‘Derweze gas crater’? It’s literally called the ‘Door to Hell’! I’m betting this new route is just the beginning — more amazing destinations are definitely on the horizon.\”

Turkmenistan’s Ambassador to Korea, Begench Durdyyev, couldn’t stop raving about this strategic new route and the flurry of high-level exchanges it’s sparking.

\”First, we kicked off cargo flights in April 2023, and now we’re taking it to the next level with these direct passenger flights,\” Durdyyev said, clearly pumped about the future.
\”But don’t think we’re stopping here,\” he warned with a grin. \”We’re just getting started. It’s time to roll up our sleeves and reach for even bigger goals.\” He then casually dropped the bomb that bilateral trade had skyrocketed by a whopping 70 percent in the first quarter of 2025 compared to 2024.

Durdyyev painted a picture of Turkmenistan as a dreamy mix of ancient wonders and cutting-edge cool. \”We’re talking UNESCO sites, over 2,000 historic landmarks, and Ashgabat? It’s not just a city, it’s a smart city superstar with more than 20 certifications and global awards. Trust me, you want to see this for yourself.\”