HANMI addresses March suspension of Korean air service
Sourcing a statement by the Marianas Visitors Authority, HANMI said both airlines are “currently facing operational challenges on the Saipan route due to broader industry conditions, including a strong U.S. dollar, regulatory seat-capacity obligations on the Korea–Guam route following the Korean Air–Asiana Airlines merger, and increasing competition from emerging beach destinations in Japan and Vietnam.”
Cessation of bookings raises “serious concern that daily services may be suspended unless timely solutions are identified,” HANMI said.
Saipan Airport. Photo courtesy of the Commonwealth Ports Authority
If there is no solution, HANMI said the Northern Mariana Islands “will lose all direct air service from South Korea — our largest source market — which accounts for approximately 63 percent of total visitor arrivals.”
HANMI said it and other local partners are again requesting federal assistance “including a waiver from cabotage restrictions and consideration for Essential Air Service designation, to preserve critical air access. Given the imminent loss of service, federal support is now urgently needed to prevent further economic decline,” the association said.
It also called for the continuation of the Economic Vitality & Security Travel Authorization Program, or the EVS-TAP, describing the visa-free program allowing travel to the NMI for nationals of the People’s Republic of China as “a key component of long-term tourism recovery.”
In January, HANMI reported a 28.69% average occupancy rate among 11 member hotels for December, 29% lower than 39.75% in December 2024.
A total of 18,396 of 64,122 available room nights sold during December compared to 25,133 of 63,233 available rooms sold in December 2024. The average room rate was $112.23, as compared to $126.46 last December, HANMI said. mbj
The Department of Public Health and Social Services confirmed two new laboratory-confirmed cases of Pertussis, bringing the total number of confirmed cases for 2026 to 13.
Q&A courtesy of the Saipan Chamber of Commerce with Raenada A. Mason, public affairs specialist with the U.S. Small Business Administration. Mason is currently in Saipan. The SBA will be assisting businesses and residents at the Survivor Recovery Center at the Governor Pedro P. Tenorio Multi-Purpose Center.
Team Rubicon personnel have had 24 “grey shirt” volunteers in Saipan and Tinian since April 20. The organization has fielded an advance/recon team and medical and support teams and conducts community outreach during the day, addressing basic needs and chronic conditions.
Even before Saipan was struck by Super Typhoon Sinlaku — its third 150 mph storm in just over a decade — small businesses were already grappling with a prolonged economic downturn marked by declining revenues, shrinking customer bases, and persistent operational challenges.
