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Taking a page out of Iceland’s playbook, there’s one surging Asian city reviving a lesser-known airline under a new name, and it began operations last month.

Let’s hope for better results as both of Iceland’s WOW Air and Fly PLAY have now gone kaput despite jaw-dropping fares from major American hubs…

Parata Air (formerly Fly Gangwon) is one of the newest airlines in Asia’s aviation sector, along with Sun PhuQuoc Airways, except the former has bold plans to enter U.S. skies despite first commencing service less than a month ago.

As someone who has been eyeing an Asian adventure lately, I can tell you one thing is for certain — reaching Seoul from the U.S. mainland is expensive!

Unlike Japan’s Zipair, there’s no true low-cost option to fly direct to Seoul from any U.S. city — until now.

Thanks to Parata, a revamped Seoul-based budget airline, there will soon be 2 exciting new routes from major American cities for those of us ballin’ on a budget.

Parata Fills A Void: Cheap Flights To Asia’s Most Cultural City

Whether it be K-Pop concerts, downright sinful Korean barbecue, or the only country where 7-Eleven stores are cool, immersing in South Korea’s fascinating culture is truly a bucket-list experience no matter how you choose to do it.

Though getting anywhere in Korea (yes, the Southern one) tends to come with a hefty price tag when you book your flight.

That’s all set to change with the arrival of Parata Air.

“We will transcend the boundaries of full-service and low-cost carriers. We don’t plan to adhere to the existing distinction. We aim to be an airline that starts with the services and routes that are essential from the customer’s perspective, while providing an experience that stands out in the market.”

Parata Air CEO Yoon Chul-min

Here’s an example of why Parata is much needed in U.S. skies:

A round-trip flight from LAX for a weeklong trip to Seoul costs a minimum of $1200 for a connecting flight, and $1310 for a direct flight via Air Premia, which is surprisingly categorized as a Korean low-cost airline.

With an expected launch date to be set for Summer 2026, I chose the middle of summer for sample fares for comparison’s sake, and obviously, they’re pretty steep.

This is why Parata is destined to be a success, unlike the previous examples of Iceland’s failed budget carriers, since flagship Icelandair isn’t nearly as costly (once you land, it’s another story — yikes!).

2 Major U.S. Airports Set To Welcome Parata Air

Parata’s first venture into America will be a pair of our most connected airports, making the trip as seamless as possible.

According to SimpleFlying, Parata has already dotted their i’s and crossed t’s with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) with the intention of being granted a spot at the aforementioned Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) as well as Las Vegas’s Harry Reid International Airport (LAS).

Both of these cities become a literal hot mess come summertime, so if it all goes according to plan, Seoul makes for the perfect escape from the desert heat into one of Asia’s most sought-after cities.

Just know these plans are not finalized. Currently, Parata Air only has 4 planes to their name, and these planned U.S. routes would take place on a spacious Airbus A330-200 when (*knock on wood*) it comes to fruition.

Why Seoul Has Become A Powerhouse Must-Visit Destination

Seoul is a name we all know, but over recent years, it’s become a tourism powerhouse.

Largely influenced by pop culture with the raging success of Squid Games and the ever-growing K-Pop phenomenon, not to mention even the tiniest of map-dot towns across the U.S. opening Korean BBQ eateries, Seoul has earned a seat at the table with Tokyo, Hong Kong, and the likes.

Of course, it doesn’t hurt that Seoul has a global reputation for being safe at all hours. Whether you’re hankering for some late-night street grub or want to belt out your favorite K-pop tune at a karaoke hole-in-the-wall, you don’t have to keep your head on a swivel like other mega metropolises.

It’s also a city where modern tech meets ancient palaces. Arguably the most sightly photo op is the 600-year-old Gyeongbokgung Palace, an absolute must-visit.

The only thing Seoul hasn’t had going for it is cheap flights, but now Parata has a chance to change that. Once here, the city is incredibly simple to get around, and you won’t break the bank unless you splurge on a 5-star hotel.