Incheon Airport "Average Daily Usage of 120,000 People During Lunar New Year Holiday"

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo Hyun-seok] Incheon International Airport Corporation expects approximately 616,074 passengers to use Incheon International Airport over the five-day Lunar New Year holiday special traffic period from the 20th to the 24th this year, averaging about 123,215 passengers per day.

This figure represents a 1291% increase compared to the average daily passengers (8,859) during last year's Lunar New Year holiday period. It is also a 61% recovery compared to the 2019 Lunar New Year holiday period before COVID-19.

The day with the highest number of users during this Lunar New Year holiday is predicted to be the 21st, with 131,250 passengers expected to use Incheon Airport. The day with the most departing passengers is the day before the holiday starts, the 20th (70,702 passengers), and the day with the most arriving passengers is the last day of the holiday, the 24th (72,534 passengers).

The corporation plans to ensure thorough airport operations by establishing comprehensive measures in ▲strengthening the airport’s core functions ▲maintaining a safe 24-hour airport ▲and COVID-19 quarantine during the first Lunar New Year holiday since passenger demand has begun to recover in earnest after COVID-19.

First, to strengthen the airport’s core functions, the departure halls and security checkpoints will be expanded, and check-in counters will open earlier. Approximately 140 staff members will be separately assigned to guide passengers at immigration halls, and self and smart services will be expanded to alleviate passenger congestion.

Additionally, commercial facilities that had been closed due to COVID-19 will resume operations, while convenience for airport users will be enhanced through securing an additional 4,200 parking spaces, expanding route buses, and resuming late-night bus services.

Furthermore, to ensure safe airport operations, thorough pre-inspections have been completed across all airport sectors including facilities, transportation, passengers, systems, and security before the holiday begins. The internal and external cooperation system for joint response in case of emergencies has also been rechecked. Continuous operation of fire brigades and a 24-hour snow removal situation room will be activated according to snowfall forecasts to enable immediate initial response in case of crises, ensuring no disruption to flight operations and airport management.

The corporation will strengthen quarantine measures by securing a testing capacity of up to 1,500 people per day at three COVID-19 testing centers and extending operating hours from 6 PM to 9 PM. For passengers arriving from China, a waiting area capable of accommodating up to 700 people will be prepared, along with rest facilities, bottled water, and snacks to minimize passenger inconvenience.

Kim Kyung-wook, President of Incheon International Airport Corporation, said, “We expect the highest daily passenger volume since COVID-19 during this holiday. We will work closely with related agencies to establish a perfect preparedness system so that the public can use Incheon Airport safely and conveniently.”