Gimpo Airport Route Expansion and Name Change Pursued on Two Tracks... Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Also Cautious

Seoul City-Airport Corporation TF Formed to Prepare
Proposed Expanding International Flight Radius to 3000km, but Strong Resident Opposition
Noise Damage Measures and Noise Reduction Plans to Be Established
Seoul Gimpo Airport Name Change to Be Proposed After Public Consultation

Seoul City has changed the name of ‘Gimpo International Airport’ to ‘Seoul Gimpo Airport’ and has expanded international routes to Hong Kong and Guangzhou, China, but it is expected to face difficulties in persuading residents. Time is needed to prepare measures to quell residents' opposition due to noise damage and other concerns.

According to Seoul City on the 12th, the city formed a task force (TF) with Korea Airports Corporation earlier this month to discuss the name change and radius expansion. On the 27th of last month, Seoul City announced the ‘Southwest Region Grand Renovation’ plan, proposing to change the name of Gimpo Airport to Seoul Gimpo Airport and expand the international route radius to 3,000 km to allow use up to Hong Kong and Guangzhou.

Expansion of Gimpo Airport International Routes Faces Resident Opposition

The city is approaching the route expansion cautiously. A Seoul City official explained, "We believe it will be difficult to proceed with (route expansion) without establishing noise reduction measures or damage countermeasures, and we are discussing various options with the Airports Corporation," adding, "Since flight paths go over Yangcheon-gu, there have been many complaints about mental distress caused by noise. While strengthening international functions is the right direction, we need to find solutions to the noise problem."

After announcing the route expansion plan, residents in nearby areas such as Yangcheon-gu rose up, claiming that noise damage would increase if routes were added. Since revising the regulations on international charter flight operations (Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport directive) is necessary, consultation with the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport is essential, which also slows policy progress.

The city plans to closely consult with the Airports Corporation, reflecting its opinions and proposals regarding route expansion. In November last year, the Airports Corporation held the ‘Gimpo Airport Future Development Strategy Seminar’ to commemorate the 65th anniversary of Gimpo Airport’s opening. At the seminar, Professor Yoon Moon-gil of Korea Aerospace University argued that to expand overseas passenger use, the 2,000 km limit on international flight distances and urban noise regulations must be addressed. Professor Yoon suggested, "It is necessary to expand regional shuttles to places like Qingdao and Hong Kong in China, where many domestic operators are active." He also insisted, "A stepwise noise reduction plan should be presented to nearby residents to build consensus that there will be no further expansion."

The city has not yet consulted with the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport. The ministry is taking a cautious stance on route expansion, considering the special characteristics of Gimpo Airport’s international flights and residents’ noise damage. After the opening of Incheon Airport, Gimpo Airport was intended to be used exclusively for domestic flights, but limited international routes have been allowed considering business travelers between Korea, China, and Japan. If international routes are expanded at Gimpo Airport, its role may overlap with Incheon Airport. A ministry official said, "We plan to comprehensively review noise issues, the hub status of Incheon Airport, residents’ accessibility, and convenience," adding, "If the city organizes its position and presents detailed plans, we will discuss them together."

Name Change to ‘Seoul Gimpo Airport’ Will Follow Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Procedures

Meanwhile, the plan to change the name of Gimpo Airport seems feasible in the near future as the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport has established procedures for name changes. After the city collects residents’ opinions on the name change and the Airports Corporation proposes the name change to the ministry, the ministry’s review will determine whether the change is approved.

A Seoul City official explained, "The city will propose the name change to Seoul Gimpo Airport, so it can act directly and is preparing to collect residents’ opinions," adding, "The Airports Corporation also wants the name change, public response is favorable, and since the procedures for the name change are in place, we think it is worth trying."