All photos are courtesy of the Salt Lake City Dept of Airports 

Delta Air Lines marked a historic milestone with the launch of its inaugural nonstop flight from Salt Lake City (SLC) to Seoul-Incheon (ICN), opening a new gateway between the American West and Asia. The celebration at Salt Lake City International Airport was nothing short of electric, filled with music, culture, and a shared sense of excitement for what this new route represents. 

A morning of milestones 

The festivities began with heartfelt remarks from Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall, who stood alongside Delta’s Meng Aguirre, Managing Director – Airport Customer Service, and airport officials to discuss the opportunities that this route will create both in Utah and South Korea. Remarks centered around how this is more than a flight—it’s a bridge between communities. It is also clear that Salt Lake City is proud to be the launchpad for Utah’s first nonstop connection to Asia. 

A cultural prelude 

Guests were treated to a vibrant musical performance that offered a taste of the cultural exchange now possible through this new route. The performance set the tone for a day that celebrated not just travel, but global connection. Mayor Mendenhall expressed her excitement for Korean tourists and encouraged all Salt Lakers to offer a friendly face to new visitors. 

Ribbon-cutting and takeoff 

A ceremonial ribbon cutting marked the official opening of the route, followed by the boarding of Delta’s special centennial A350 aircraft. Passengers were welcomed aboard with Korean-language entertainment, traditional meal options, and Korean-speaking flight attendants. 

A strategic leap forward 

With a substantial portion of population now within one stop of Salt Lake City, this route is a game-changer for both business and leisure travelers. Developed in partnership with Korean Air, the new service enhances access to destinations across Asia and underscores Delta’s dedication to expanding trans-Pacific connectivity. 

As the inaugural flight soared toward Seoul, it carried more than passengers—it carried the promise of new opportunities, deeper cultural ties, and a future of seamless global travel. 

Excitement across the Pacific 

 Delta also hosted several events in Seoul to celebrate the launch of its new nonstop service between Incheon and Salt Lake City, bringing together local media and travel industry leaders.