NEWS FLASH
The termination of Finnair’s service between Helsinki and Ljubljana comes as a result of a lack of transfer passengers from Asia, the airline has said. The carrier, which was due to restore services between the two capital cities this summer following a two-year hiatus as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic, told EX-YU Aviation News, “Unfortunately, Finnair will not be operating its route to Ljubljana during the summer season. As a destination, Ljubljana has been especially popular among Asian travellers. But as we have now reduced both network and frequencies, for example to Japan, the Ljubljana route has not been included in the summer program”. The carrier initially planned to return to Slovenia’s capital on March 28, then moved the resumption date to June 1, after which it suspended ticket sales.
So at least this time the cancelation isn't because of the Fraport. But at the same time we can see how inefficient the subsidies by Slovenian gov are...
ReplyDeleteMeanwhile, they are sticking to their Zagreb launch - that's how efficient Zagreb Airport incentives are.
ReplyDeleteThat doen't make sense.
DeleteOnly thing saveing ZAG is connections to the coast and some p2p pax. That's it, otherwise Finnair would cancel ZAG too.
I think they already planned to witch route to Zagreb. I guess they reroute some of LJU bookings to new ZAG route. Genrally, ZAG makes more sense to fly in than LJU, especially when Asian transfers will rise again.
DeleteFraport just wants to get rid of competition for LH cartel. HEL was their busiest transfer destination in 2021. For an airline to fly to an airport for more than 10 years, planning daily flights and then just switch to nearby airport doesn't make sense.
DeleteFinnair will also serve the coast with flights to Split and Dubrovnik so I woundn't expect that much transfer on connections via Zagreb, especially with OU and AY being in different alliances.
DeleteZAG won't make sense for the Asian traffic. The majority of tour groups' itineraries combined with Slovenia and Croatia. It makes more sense to fly in LJU and out DBV.
DeleteZAG don't make sense for the Asian traffic? LJU and DBV do? Probably that's why ZAG has, had, or announced to have Malaysian, Qatar, Emirates, Air Asia X, T'way, Korean Air, which shown so far no interest for both LJU and DBV. JAL deliberately omitted, as it had charters to all 3
DeleteBtw, Korean Air returning to ZAG July 2. Dreamliner, 3 weekly. Just announced
DeleteIt isn't. Tickets can not be booked and they said themselves it's just a preliminary date that will be revised.
DeletePublished today on Avioradar.hr. They usually don't spread false information. Should be in ZAG Tue Thu Sat 15.10-17.30. If what they published is a lie, than I lie as well. But I don't think it's lie because Korea is opening in July, people are totally hungry to travel, and it's not Apr 1 yet
DeleteThey simply jumped the gun. There was a statement from Korean Air PR a few days ago that said they have put the flights in the system but blocked sales as they don't know if they will resume flights this year. Fingers crossed they will.
DeleteJust checked their website. ZAG is listed as one of summer 22 european destinations. Others are Istanbul, Rome, Milan, Prague, Vienna, Zurich, Frankfurt, Paris, Amsterdam, London, Barcelona, Madrid. Cheapest return fare to ZAG 1170 euro
Deletepozdrav iz Rijeke, AY LJU route was launched due to very strong demand from the Japanese tour operators. The route is not sustainable without Japanese tour groups from NRT, HND, KIX, NGO, FUK, CTS . Almost all Japanese group itineraries starts the first few days in Slovenia., but there is not enough capacity to LJU, many groups are flying into GRZ, KLU, TRS, VCE. You will rarely see Japanese group flying to ZAG, only some budget tour operators use QR, LO ZAG due to fare and availability. JAL stopped flying to ZAG as the tour operator requested LJU and DBV. It is not JAL's commercial decision. The other Asian markets usually have longer itineraries and multi countries by coach and you will hardly see Slovenia to DBV itinerary like Japanese and also the ICN, KUL to ZAG routes are sold to FIT market as well. For them starting and ending points can be really anywhere such PRG, BUD, VIE, FRA, ATH, SOF, OTP in addition to ZAG. QR, EK ZAG route is not relying on tour groups unlike AY LJU.
DeleteThanks for the explanation @An.10.30, but you told me nothing I already didn't know. My post was not reaction to AY in LJU, and I believe AY will be back to LJU once Japan opens. My initial post was reply to @An.10.00 and his "ZAG won't make sense for the Asian traffic". It is nonsense because ZAG is the airport with biggest demand to Asia, and biggest volume of traffic to Asia. It has nothing to do with AY in LJU.
DeleteSince Bosnia is allowed to fly over Russia, it would be a great opportunity to fly to Asia. The travel time would be significantly faster, the flights cheaper. Of course most of the passengers would be the connections to other parts of Europe. The problem is that Bosnia never misses an opportunity to miss an opportunity.
ReplyDeleteI'll take whatever you're taking
DeleteThe airport in Bosnia could reach out to a Chinese company.
DeleteChina is closed.
DeleteI bet them travellers were from Japan and South Korea. Just shows how much market LJU has unfortunately lost. Yet again, it is up to the management to find ALTERNATIVE ones to fill this gap and restore the airport back to normal figures.
ReplyDeleteIs their final exit or just yet another stupid Covid postponement '
ReplyDeleteMost likely they are gone.
DeleteFinnair, Iberia who is next ?
ReplyDeleteEasyjet, Wizz, flydubai.. one of those.
Delete