Renaming Initiative to Strengthen International Business Functions
Route Radius Expanded from 2000km to 3000km
Enabling Flights to Major Cities like Hong Kong and Guangzhou
International Slots Increased to 63 out of 419 at Gimpo Last Year
Seoul City is planning to change the name of Gimpo Airport to 'Seoul Gimpo Airport' and expand the route radius to include international flights to destinations such as Hong Kong and Guangzhou.
On the 27th, Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon announced the Seoul Southwest Area Grand Renovation Plan to enhance urban competitiveness. Once a hub for consumption and manufacturing industries in the 1960s and 70s, the Seoul Southwest area, now considered the most underdeveloped region in Seoul, will begin its transformation into a future advanced city where work, residence, and leisure harmoniously coexist. Photo by Heo Young-han younghan@
On the 27th, Seoul City announced the 'Southwest Region Grand Renovation Plan,' stating that it will change the airport name to 'Seoul Gimpo Airport' and promote expanding international routes up to 3,000 km.
Jo Nam-jun, head of Seoul City's Urban Space Headquarters, said, "The Korea Airports Corporation, which manages and operates Gimpo Airport, partially agrees, and since the authority to change the name lies with the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, we plan to actively propose this." He added, "Because airport codes are applied internationally, even if Gimpo is used as before, it is appropriate to use the general name Seoul Gimpo Airport."
By expanding the international flight radius from the current 2,000 km to 3,000 km to strengthen Gimpo Airport's international business functions, new flights to Hong Kong and Guangzhou, China will become possible.
Currently, Gimpo Airport operates seven international routes from Japan, China, and Taiwan. These include Kansai and Haneda in Japan, Songshan and Kaohsiung in Taiwan, and Beijing Capital, Daxing, and Shanghai in China, totaling seven routes.
Seoul City plans to propose new route launches to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport in the second half of the year. To expand new routes, revision of the Ministry's 'International Charter Flight Operation Regulations' is necessary.
Head Jo said, "If the usage of KTX and GTX increases, it is necessary to encourage inland travel by land transportation and expand Gimpo's routes to nearby ASEAN regions, including Jeju." He added, "Expanding the routes will strengthen Gimpo Airport's function as a central airport in Asia and as a differentiated urban airport."
The proportion of international flights at Gimpo Airport has also been rapidly increasing since COVID-19. In 2022, international flights operated 8 slots out of 496 flights, but last year, this increased to 63 out of 419 flights, exceeding the 60 slots in 2019 before the pandemic.
Head Jo said, "I understand there is room for slots available for takeoff and landing at Gimpo Airport, and as international flights are increasing daily, expansion is necessary." He added, "There is no disagreement with the Airports Corporation regarding route expansion, and if the name is changed as well, Seoul's recognition is expected to increase."
However, as international flights increase, residents in surrounding areas such as Guro-gu and Yangcheon-gu have been complaining about noise pollution. In response, Seoul City plans to persuade residents by implementing altitude restrictions and other measures concurrently.
Head Jo explained, "I believe it is necessary to persuade residents in connection with overall airport surrounding altitude restrictions. If altitude restrictions are resolved, residents will be more understanding." He added, "Seoul City has created a dedicated airport team to promote system improvements and plans to proceed through cooperation with the Airports Corporation and the central government."
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