Korean Air Expands Atlanta Service with Record Double Daily Flights

Korean Air is set to enhance its service to Atlanta by increasing flights from its hub in Seoul to a record double daily starting on May 11, 2025. This significant expansion comes as the airline transitions away from using the Boeing 747-8i on the Atlanta route, opting instead for the Boeing 777-300ER, which offers increased passenger capacity and enhanced cargo capabilities.

The decision to bolster its Atlanta service aligns with the airline’s strategic partnership with Delta Air Lines, as both carriers are members of the SkyTeam alliance. Atlanta, recognized as the world’s busiest airport by passenger numbers, plays a vital role in international travel and connectivity. Although it ranks second globally to Chicago O’Hare in terms of aircraft movements, it is less prominent for available seat miles due to a predominance of short-haul domestic flights.

Korean Air currently operates daily flights to Atlanta but will increase its frequency to 11 weekly flights starting on March 29, 2025. Following this, the service will expand to 14 weekly flights, ensuring daily operations are maximized. This change is strategically timed for the peak summer travel season, which typically sees higher demand and fare prices.

The Boeing 777-300ER will accommodate up to 277 passengers, featuring eight seats in first class, 42 in business class, and 227 in economy. The shift from the 747-8i, which operated with a larger capacity, signifies a calculated move to optimize operational efficiency while meeting passenger demand. This adjustment results in a substantial increase of 51% in daily seats available for sale on this route.

Both Korean Air and Delta will operate double daily flights, creating a combined total of four daily services connecting Atlanta and Seoul. This marks a historic high for operations on this route, surpassing a previous peak of three flights. The anticipated flight schedules for June 2026 indicate a consistent service from both airlines, further solidifying their positions in the competitive trans-Pacific market.

Korean Air has established a presence in Atlanta since 1994, providing both nonstop and one-stop flights over the years. Initially, services included connections through Chicago O’Hare and Dallas/Fort Worth, with nonstop flights commencing in the early 2000s. Throughout its operational history, the airline has utilized various aircraft types, including the Airbus A380, Boeing 747-400, and 787-9.

A review of the latest data from the US Department of Transportation reveals that Korean Air transported approximately 224,500 passengers to and from Atlanta over the 12 months leading to July 2025, achieving an impressive 86% load factor. Comparatively, Delta carried around 352,700 passengers on its daily services during the same period, with a slightly lower load factor of 85%.

Booking trends indicate that roughly 20% of Korean Air’s passengers originate or conclude their journeys in Atlanta, with many connecting to other flights in Seoul. Key destinations include Ho Chi Minh City, Busan, Manila, Beijing, and Bangkok. Notably, the largest segment of travelers—comprising 36%—begins or ends their journey in Seoul before transferring to Delta flights for domestic travel within the United States.

The expansion of Korean Air’s Atlanta service not only signifies the airline’s commitment to enhancing its global reach but also reflects the growing demand for international travel. As the airline prepares for this increase in capacity, the collaboration with Delta ensures that passengers have a seamless travel experience between the two major hubs.