Record Crowds Expected at Incheon Airport During Chuseok Holiday... "Over 200,000 People a Day"

Expected 1.2 Million Visitors During Holiday Period
12% Increase Compared to Pre-COVID-19 Levels

On the 5th, travelers visiting Incheon International Airport Terminal 1, where the peak summer vacation season is ongoing, are lining up to check in. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung aymsdream@

This Chuseok holiday, the average daily number of passengers at Incheon Airport is expected to exceed 200,000, setting a new record for the highest number of passengers during the Chuseok holiday period.

On the 10th, Incheon International Airport Corporation forecasted that from the 13th to the 18th, a six-day period, the average daily passenger count will reach 200,671. This represents an 11.6% increase compared to the same period last year and an 11.8% increase compared to 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic, marking the highest record ever for the Chuseok holiday. The previous record was 187,623 passengers per day in 2017. This year is expected to see a 7% increase over that record.

The corporation attributes this to the steady rise in overseas travel demand, driven by a surge in travelers to Southeast Asia and Japan routes this year. The day with the highest number of passengers during the holiday period is estimated to be the 18th, with 212,896 passengers expected to use Incheon Airport on that day alone. The day with the most departing passengers is forecasted to be the 14th (207,404 passengers), and the day with the most arriving passengers is expected to be the 18th (117,495 passengers).

The corporation plans to implement various special measures in cooperation with related agencies during the Chuseok holiday. These include ▲ expanding the operation of departure halls and security checkpoints ▲ deploying approximately 563 support personnel for guidance and security screening ▲ diversifying registration channels for Smart Pass (facial recognition departure service) ▲ offering partner discounts when using the Incheon Airport guide app ▲ expanding 24-hour operation of commercial facilities and extending operating hours of food and beverage outlets.

Additionally, a 'Pre-Reservation Service for the Disabled Safety Center at Terminal 1' has been introduced, allowing users to reserve and use services such as wheelchair rental and check-in support through the Incheon Airport website.

To address parking space shortages, a flexible parking lot operation system will be activated based on demand for real-time response. However, since parking congestion is expected and public transportation services such as increased late-night buses are being expanded, the corporation recommends using public transportation whenever possible.

Lee Hak-jae, President of Incheon International Airport Corporation, stated, "We will do our utmost to provide safe and convenient airport services during this Chuseok holiday period, which is expected to see the highest number of passengers ever. We ask that travelers actively use public transportation and various smart services."