Jin Air (ICAO: JNA) is a South Korean low-cost carrier, established on January 23, 2008, and began operations in July of the same year with an inaugural flight from Seoul Gimpo to Jeju. It was founded as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Korean Air, leveraging its parent company's resources and expertise to enter the burgeoning low-cost market. The airline was initially known as Air Korea before being officially renamed Jin Air on June 15, 2008. In 2017, Jin Air had its initial public offering and market debut. As of November 2025, Jin Air operates as the primary low-cost brand of the Korean Air Group, following the planned integration with Asiana Airlines' LCC subsidiaries, Air Seoul and Air Busan.
The airline maintains its main hub at Seoul Incheon International Airport (ICN) and a secondary hub at Seoul Gimpo International Airport (GMP) for domestic operations. Its focus cities also include Busan and Jeju. Jin Air operates an all-Boeing fleet, which, as of November 2024/2025, includes Boeing 737-800s, Boeing 737-900s, Boeing 737 MAX 8s, and Boeing 777-200ERs. The introduction of Airbus A321neo aircraft is confirmed from 2026, diversifying its fleet beyond Boeing. Jin Air is notable as one of the few low-cost carriers in Korea to operate wide-body Boeing 777-200ER aircraft.
Jin Air's route network primarily spans South Korea and Asia, with a focus on regional destinations. As of November 2025, it serves 13 domestic destinations and 24 international destinations across nine countries. Its international reach includes popular routes to Japan, China, Thailand, Vietnam, and long-haul services to Guam. The airline is not a member of any major global airline alliances like Star Alliance, SkyTeam, or Oneworld. As a low-cost carrier, Jin Air offers affordable fares. For cabin classes, while primarily economy, it features Jiniplus seats on its Boeing 777 aircraft, offering extra legroom, and a limited Jinibiz business class option on some Boeing 737-900 planes. In-flight services include pre-ordered meals, beverages, and duty-free shopping. Wi-Fi is available on Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft, with various package options. Jin Air has also operated cargo services since November 2013.
Traveler reviews for Jin Air generally highlight its efficiency and value, fitting its low-cost carrier model. The overall sentiment suggests a satisfactory experience for short to medium-haul flights, especially for budget-conscious travelers.
What Travelers Love:
Common Complaints:
Overall, Jin Air is generally perceived as a reliable and cost-effective option for travelers, particularly for short-haul regional flights. While it delivers a straightforward, no-frills experience typical of low-cost carriers, the inclusion of a free baggage allowance and efficient service contribute to a positive impression among many passengers. The primary areas for improvement revolve around enhanced comfort and a more comprehensive in-flight experience for those expecting more than basic amenities.
Jin Air maintains a safety record consistent with its operations as a subsidiary of Korean Air. While specific, comprehensive independent safety audits for the current year are not readily available in the search results, the airline is a low-cost carrier that emphasizes providing a safe and comfortable travel experience.
| Route | Destination | Flights | Distance | Aircraft | Last Seen |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GMP → CJU |
Jeju Int'l
Jeju
|
126 | 280 mi | B772 | Dec 10, 2025 |
| GUM → ICN |
Incheon Int'l
Seoul (Incheon)
|
98 | 2008 mi | B738 | Nov 1, 2025 |
| TAE → CJU |
Jeju Int'l
Jeju
|
98 | 206 mi | B738 | Dec 9, 2025 |
| CJJ → CJU |
Jeju Int'l
Jeju
|
65 | 229 mi | B739 | Dec 10, 2025 |
| CJU → GMP |
Gimpo Int'l
Seoul
|
62 | 280 mi | B772 | Dec 10, 2025 |
| CJU → KWJ |
Gwangju
Gwangju
|
46 | 113 mi | B738 | Nov 30, 2025 |
| ICN → FUK |
Fukuoka
Fukuoka
|
44 | 350 mi | B38M | Dec 4, 2025 |
| GUM → PUS |
Gimhae Int'l
Busan
|
34 | 1856 mi | B738 | Oct 31, 2025 |
| ICN → KIX |
Kansai Int'l
Izumisano
|
33 | 536 mi | B38M | Nov 19, 2025 |
| CJU → CJJ |
Cheongju
Cheongju
|
33 | 229 mi | B738 | Dec 10, 2025 |
| PUS → CJU |
Jeju Int'l
Jeju
|
32 | 181 mi | B738 | Dec 9, 2025 |
| KUV → CJU |
Jeju Int'l
Jeju
|
28 | 166 mi | B739 | Dec 2, 2025 |
| CJU → WJU |
Wonju
Wonju
|
26 | 284 mi | B738 | Dec 10, 2025 |
| CXR → ICN |
Incheon Int'l
Seoul (Incheon)
|
24 | 2059 mi | B738 | Dec 10, 2025 |
| KIX → ICN |
Incheon Int'l
Seoul (Incheon)
|
24 | 536 mi | B38M | Nov 21, 2025 |
| WJU → CJU |
Jeju Int'l
Jeju
|
23 | 284 mi | B738 | Dec 6, 2025 |
| HIN → GMP |
Gimpo Int'l
Seoul
|
23 | 185 mi | B738 | Dec 5, 2025 |
| NRT → ICN |
Incheon Int'l
Seoul (Incheon)
|
22 | 782 mi | B738 | Dec 10, 2025 |
| KPO → CJU |
Jeju Int'l
Jeju
|
22 | 239 mi | B738 | Nov 29, 2025 |
| ICN → NRT |
Narita Int'l
Tokyo (Narita)
|
22 | 782 mi | B772 | Nov 10, 2025 |
| ISG → ICN |
Incheon Int'l
Seoul (Incheon)
|
21 | 913 mi | B38M | Dec 7, 2025 |
| DAD → PUS |
Gimhae Int'l
Busan
|
20 | 1843 mi | B738 | Dec 10, 2025 |
| CRK → PUS |
Gimhae Int'l
Busan
|
20 | 1477 mi | B738 | Dec 10, 2025 |
| CRK → ICN |
Incheon Int'l
Seoul (Incheon)
|
20 | 1582 mi | B738 | Dec 10, 2025 |
| CJU → TAE |
Daegu
Daegu
|
19 | 206 mi | B739 | Nov 30, 2025 |
Airline statistics are based on flight route observations collected from FlightAware AeroAPI and other sources. Flight counts represent observed operations, not scheduled frequencies. Route data is continuously updated as new flight information becomes available.