A festive atmosphere filled Gate A25 at the Salt Lake City International Airport as Delta Air Lines celebrated its inaugural flight to Incheon, South Korea. Passengers were welcomed over the intercom by a Delta gate agent, marking the start of a new journey.
Excitement was palpable as some passengers gathered around meal boxes, savoring treats celebrating the occasion, including cookies with special logos. Families and travelers eagerly took photos with Delta’s mascot, Widgey, which made a delightful appearance at the event.
The excitement escalated when representatives from both Salt Lake City and Incheon international airports joined together to cut a ribbon, officially opening this new daily route. With the flight fully booked, passengers began boarding the Airbus A350-900, which took off into the clear blue sky at noon, embarking on what would be approximately a 13-hour journey.
This recent launch is a significant milestone for Salt Lake City as it marks the first direct flight to Asia in 15 years, a crucial link that eliminates the need for Utah residents to travel to another U.S. city before heading to Asia. According to Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall, this new route connects about 80% of the globe with just one stop, presenting enhanced travel opportunities for both local residents and international visitors.
Mayor Mendenhall emphasized the importance of this service, saying, “This is a monumental step forward … and my invitation to Salt Lakers is to start looking out for more visitors from Asia, and welcome them with open arms.”
Incheon International Airport, located a mere 20 miles from Seoul, serves as a major hub for Korean Airlines, which often collaborates with Delta. Passengers traveling from Utah will find it much easier to connect to other major cities across Asia, enhancing the overall travel experience.
In addition to passenger benefits, the new flight enhances trade links between Salt Lake City and Incheon. Daniel Dongik Shin, executive director of the Hub Strategy Group overseeing Incheon International Airport expansion, noted, “This new service is more than just an additional route; it is the opening of a new air corridor connecting the U.S. and Northeast Asia.”
This inaugural flight on the Airbus A350-900, which can accommodate over 300 passengers, represents a significant advancement in air travel capabilities for the region. Previously, the old airport facilities struggled to handle such large aircraft due to logistical challenges, requiring multiple gates which limited operational capabilities.
“Handling flights of this size would have been extremely difficult in the old airport,” said Wyatt, explaining the improvements seen at the new facility. The new design allows for a much more efficient boarding process, capable of managing an aircraft of this size without compromising other flight operations.
The wider body of the A350-900 is not only beneficial for passengers but also for cargo transport. With ample space available, businesses in Utah can more easily ship products to South Korea, enhancing supply chain efficiency. Goods manufactured in South Korea, home to major corporations like Samsung, LG Electronics, and Hyundai, can now be imported into Utah in a timelier manner.
As part of ongoing efforts to promote these new trade opportunities, officials from the Salt Lake City and Utah Inland Port Authority are planning a visit to South Korea later this year. While it is uncertain whether additional nonstop flights to Asia will emerge as a result of this new route, Wyatt believes that the potential for further international flights from Salt Lake City is bright.
“I see more Europe; I can see more South and Central America, and now we have the facilities to do it, which had always been a constraint here,” he concluded, hinting at a more interconnected future for Salt Lake City.
The inaugural flight to Incheon represents a new chapter not only for Delta Air Lines but also for the city of Salt Lake, as it strengthens globalization and enhances travel and trade opportunities in both directions.
image source from：https://www.deseret.com/utah/2025/06/13/80-of-world-now-within-1-stop-of-salt-lake-city-thanks-to-its-newest-direct-flight/
