Where? Taipei (Taiwan) to Jeju, pictured (South Korea)
When? Twice a day, effective 28 March 2017
Who? Tigerair Taiwan
Why? Low-cost carrier provides new connection to Korean island, which is popular among Chinese and Taiwanese tourists
Anything else? In 2011, Jeju was voted one of the world’s New 7 Wonders of Nature

Where? Pattaya to Phuket (both Thailand)
When? Daily, effective 30 March 2017
Who? Thai AirAsia
Why? The development of Pattaya’s U-Tapao Airport continues, enabling a direct link between two of Thailand’s most popular resorts
Anything else? This is one of two new routes from U-Tapao Airport launched by Thai AirAsia, along with services to Ubon Ratchathani

Where? Seoul Incheon (South Korea) to Kumamoto (Japan)
When? Twice a week, effective 2 April 2017
Who? Air Seoul
Why? Short hop across the Korea Strait to serve business and leisure travellers on both sides
Anything else? Eight of Air Seoul’s 12 international destinations are now located in Japan

Where? Chengdu (China) to Auckland (New Zealand)
When? Three times a week, effective 13 June 2017
Who? Sichuan Airlines
Why? Chinese carrier expands services to Oceania, following launch of flights to Sydney and Melbourne
Anything else? In autumn 2016, Chinese arrivals to New Zealand grew 37%, but FIT arrivals surged 62%