Impact of COVID-19... Incheon Airport Transport Airport Bus Company’s Revenue Slashed to One-Quarter

"Prepare for Tourist Transport Post-Corona... Establish Measures to Endure Until Then"

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo Je-hoon] Due to the impact of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) crisis, the number of passengers and sales revenue of airport bus companies operating to and from Incheon International Airport this year have decreased to one-quarter compared to the previous year.

According to the National Assembly Land, Infrastructure and Transport Committee member Song Eon-seok of the People Power Party, based on the national audit data submitted by Incheon International Airport Corporation, the number of airport bus passengers at Incheon Airport from January to September this year was 503,228, and sales revenue was 7.28979 billion KRW. These figures represent a decrease of 76.3% and 76.8%, respectively, compared to the previous year.

Song explained that the main cause is the decline in air passenger demand due to COVID-19. In fact, before the COVID-19 pandemic became a reality, in January, the number of bus passengers and sales revenue increased by 9.5% and 14.4%, respectively, but in February, when the first death occurred, they decreased by 28.6% and 23.6%, respectively. In March, when international flights were suspended due to the spread of COVID-19, the number of passengers and sales revenue decreased by 80.3% and 81.8%, respectively.

In particular, the difficulties faced by the airport bus industry have accelerated since April. As of last September, the number of airport bus passengers and sales revenue decreased by 97.4% and 98.1%, respectively.

Song said, "If extraordinary measures are not established from now on, it will be impossible to guarantee the survival of the airport bus industry after November, when even the special employment support project ends," and added, "To revitalize the tourism industry after the end of COVID-19, transportation for tourists must not be disrupted. Until then, the industry must endure difficult times, and support measures should be established promptly through close consultations between the airport corporation and related government departments."