Korean Air Expands A380 Service to LAX, Boosting Potential Tourism for Inglewood Businesses
Korean Air has announced a major expansion of its Airbus A380 operations between Seoul’s Incheon International Airport (ICN) and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), a development that could bring increased international travelers to businesses near Inglewood and surrounding communities.
Starting in June 2025, the airline will reintroduce the double-decker A380 aircraft on this popular route, increasing both flight frequency and passenger capacity. The move comes in response to growing demand for travel between South Korea and the United States.
The expansion will be implemented in phases, with four weekly A380 flights in June and July, increasing to five weekly flights in August. By the winter of 2025, Korean Air plans to operate all 14 of its weekly flights using the superjumbo jet, which seats 407 passengers compared to the 368-seat Boeing 747-8 currently serving the route.
This increase in international capacity could benefit Inglewood’s hospitality industry, including hotels, restaurants, and retail establishments along Century Boulevard and nearby commercial corridors that often serve as gateways for international visitors entering through LAX.
“The expansion of Korean Air’s service represents a positive development for our local economy,” said a representative from the Inglewood Chamber of Commerce. “International travelers often stay in hotels near the airport and spend money at businesses throughout our community.”
The airline’s decision to extend the operational life of its A380 fleet, which was previously scheduled to be phased out by 2026, signals confidence in the recovery and growth of international travel to Los Angeles. Korean Air currently operates four Airbus A380s with an average age of 11.4 years.
Los Angeles continues to be one of the busiest transpacific gateways, with Korean Air, Asiana Airlines, and Air Premia all operating flights between Seoul and LAX. This competition has helped maintain route connectivity important to South Korean tourists and business travelers visiting Southern California.
Local tourism officials note that visitors from South Korea represent an important market segment for the Los Angeles area, including attractions in and around Inglewood such as SoFi Stadium and the upcoming Intuit Dome.
