780,000 Visitors at National Airports During Chuseok Holiday... "Masks Required & Cooperation with Quarantine Measures"

Passenger Volume Forecast Down 24% Compared to Previous Year

On the 28th, two days before the Chuseok holiday, the domestic terminal of Gimpo Airport in Gangseo-gu, Seoul, is bustling with travelers. Photo by Mun Ho-nam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Yu Je-hoon] Despite the impact of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), it is expected that 780,000 passengers will flock to airports nationwide during this year's Chuseok holiday. Korea Airports Corporation has urged passengers to wear masks at all times and cooperate with quarantine procedures when using airports.

According to Korea Airports Corporation on the 30th, approximately 780,000 passengers are expected to use 14 airports nationwide (excluding Incheon International Airport, based on combined domestic arrivals and departures) during the Chuseok holiday period, which continues until October 4.

This year, although the Chuseok holiday has been extended by one day compared to last year, the corporation explained that the number of passengers is expected to decrease by about 24% due to the government's recommendations to refrain from visiting hometowns and gatherings amid COVID-19.

Accordingly, the corporation recently established guidelines for using domestic flights changed by COVID-19. First, wearing masks is mandatory in airport terminals and on board aircraft, which are multi-use facilities. Passengers without masks will not be allowed to board, and those who do not have masks must purchase them at pharmacies or convenience stores within the airport.

Additionally, passenger temperature checks using thermal cameras are being conducted at domestic departure gates of 14 airports nationwide. Temperature checks are also mandatory during airline check-in and when using commercial facilities within airports. If an abnormal temperature is detected, passengers must cooperate with the guidance and measures of quarantine authorities and local governments.

Meanwhile, among the government-certified identification documents required for domestic flights, the electronic certificate from the 'Government 24' application and fingerprint verification by administrative agencies cannot be used during this Chuseok holiday period (from 8 p.m. on the 29th to midnight on October 4). This is due to a temporary suspension of the service caused by the transition of the Ministry of the Interior and Safety's resident registration system.

Son Chang-wan, President of Korea Airports Corporation, stated, "Overcoming COVID-19 requires the efforts of all citizens, so those who inevitably use airports are asked to comply with government quarantine guidelines to ensure safe travel," and added, "The airport will also do its best to ensure customers can use the facilities safely and conveniently by strictly adhering to quarantine procedures and actively utilizing non-face-to-face services."