Hot on the heals of a Saga Airport’s recent upgrade a new direct flight route has been launched, doubling Saga’s international destination options.

Korean low cost carrier T’way Airlines has begun operating flights between Saga and Seoul.

The new Saga route is the low cost carrier’s second connection to Japan – the first is between Fukuoka and Seoul.

Yasushimi Furukawa, governor of Saga Prefecture commented that the route is “big progress in connecting North Kyushu and Korea”. T’way will fly three return trips between Saga and Seoul weekly (Wed., Fri. and Sun.) using 189-seat Boeing 737 planes. The 1 hour 20 minute flight departs 14:50 from Seoul, and 17:10 from Saga.

Ticket prices range between ¥4,000~¥20,000 one way, not including fuel surcharge or Seoul airport fee.

Meanwhile visitor feedback has seen Saga City install free wi-fi on buses connecting Saga Airport, plus free wi-fi in the passenger terminal:

The Saga City limousine bus service connecting Saga Airport with the Saga Station Bus Terminal will begin offering free wireless LAN service to coincide with a new flight from Seoul operated by the low-cost Korean carrier T’way Airlines.

The City hopes the service will enhance convenience for visitors from Korea, and it also aims to promote the City by sharing information on social networking sites.

The City’s decision to install Wi-Fi on its two buses was based on the feedback of numerous Chinese tourists who came to Saga on Spring Airlines, a China-based low-cost carrier that began flying a Shanghai-Saga route last January.