"Incheon Airport, Accommodating 100 Million Passengers Annually, Leaps to 3rd Largest Airport Worldwide"

Successful Completion of Phase 4 Expansion Project... Operations Begin from the 3rd of Next Month
World's First Terminal Complex Accommodating 50 Million International Passengers
Introduction of 'Smart Pass' to Enhance Boarding Convenience
"Creating 1.7 Trillion Won Economic Impact with Improved Services"

Incheon International Airport, the gateway to the Republic of Korea, has completed its fourth-phase expansion project and has risen to become the world's third-largest airport, capable of accommodating over 100 million passengers annually.

Incheon Airport Phase 4 Terminal 2 Expansion / Image provided by Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport

On the morning of the 29th, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport and Incheon International Airport Corporation held the 'Incheon Airport 4th Phase Grand Opening Ceremony' at the expanded area of Terminal 2 (T2). Official operations will begin on the 3rd of next month.

Incheon Airport embarked on the fourth-phase expansion project in 2017, 16 years after its opening, with a total project cost of 4.8 trillion KRW. This project centers on the construction of a fourth runway, 75 new aprons (62 for passengers, 13 for cargo), and the expansion of T2.

With its increased capacity, Incheon Airport's annual passenger handling will rise from 77 million to 106 million. At the same time, it will become the first airport in the world to have two passenger terminals capable of handling over 50 million international passengers each. Not only passengers but also cargo handling capacity has been expanded to 6.3 million tons, establishing the airport as the world's second-largest air logistics hub. This further solidifies its position as a logistics hub handling 98% of Korea's semiconductor exports.

Alongside this, a new aviation industry ecosystem has been created in terms of infrastructure, including the Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) industry, cargo terminals, and tourism and cultural convergence facilities. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport expects Incheon Airport to significantly contribute to economic revitalization, generating an economic ripple effect of approximately 1.7 trillion KRW.

Incheon Airport has enhanced smart security services to improve convenience during security checks and boarding procedures. The introduction of the 'Smart Pass' system, which utilizes artificial intelligence (AI) and biometric recognition, eliminates the need to repeatedly present passports and boarding passes. Additionally, the automated security screening system simplifies security procedures and ensures thorough security management, securing operational efficiency and safety at the airport.

Perspective view of the outdoor park created within Incheon Airport Terminal 2 / Image provided by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport

Furthermore, Incheon Airport enriches passengers' waiting times and offers foreigners a variety of beautiful Korean cultural experiences. Artworks and digital content are displayed throughout the airport, and an outdoor resting area embodying the eco-friendly value of a 'park within the airport' has been created inside the terminal.

Moreover, the departure gate area has been extended by approximately 600 meters to enhance comfort, and facilities have been improved to ensure no inconvenience for passengers with mobility challenges. This includes the introduction and regular operation of Autonomous Mobility (AM) vehicles and the installation of unmanned kiosks that can be used at various heights.

On the 29th, at the opening ceremony of the 4th phase expansion facility of Terminal 2 (T2) held at Incheon Airport Terminal 2 on Yeongjongdo, Incheon, Lee Hak-jae, President of Incheon Airport Corporation, delivered a welcoming speech. Official operations will begin on the 3rd of next month after comprehensive test runs.

Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Park Sang-woo stated, "This fourth-phase expansion project is a representative example of the government's unwavering 30-year long-term plan and will mark a milestone for Korea's new takeoff into the era of 100 million passengers." He added, "We will continue to conduct inspections before and after the start of operations to provide services befitting the highest level of airport infrastructure." He further said, "We will also strengthen international flight networks with countries around the world so that more citizens can enjoy an enhanced level of aviation services."

Meanwhile, about 800 people attended the event, including Minister Park Sang-woo, Incheon Mayor Yoo Jung-bok, President of Incheon International Airport Corporation Lee Hak-jae, Chairman of the Land, Infrastructure and Transport Committee Maeng Sung-kyu, Floor Leader of the People Power Party Bae Jun-young, and airport officials.