"'Fast Track' at Amusement Parks, Why Not at Incheon Airport?"

President Lee Hak-jae Emphasizes Need for Paid Fast-Track Departure Service
Celebrity Privilege Controversy Causes Frustration at Incheon Airport and Korea Airports Corporation
Implemented at Major Airports Worldwide... "Necessary for Competitiveness"

"This service exists in domestic amusement parks, so it is strange that such a service is not available for airport departures."

On the 18th, Lee Hak-jae, President of Incheon International Airport Corporation, mentioned the fast track (expedited departure service) system while announcing the '2024 Management Performance and Major Business Plans.' The fast track is a service that allows certain airline customers, such as business class passengers and VIPs, to quickly pass through airport immigration procedures. He pointed out that while amusement parks have a 'fast entry' track, Incheon International Airport does not have such a system.

President Lee emphasized the need for introduction, stating, "Among the world's top 30 major airports, only Incheon Airport lacks a fast track system." According to Incheon Airport Corporation, fast track services are operated at major global airports such as Singapore Changi, London Heathrow, Amsterdam Schiphol, and Dubai Airport in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Other overseas airports differentiate their services by having separate terminals or allowing direct immigration from VIP lounges. However, domestically, only vulnerable groups such as the disabled and pregnant women, as well as related personnel like pilots and flight attendants, use separate departure lanes.

Incheon Airport has attempted to introduce the fast track system several times since its opening, but each attempt was thwarted. The government did not permit it due to public sentiment and other reasons.

In particular, public opinion worsened after an actor used the pilot and crew-only passage with excessive private security when departing for Hong Kong in July. The controversy over celebrity privileges led not only Incheon Airport Corporation but also Korea Airports Corporation, which was preparing a fast track entrance at Gimpo Airport, to halt all construction and abandon the plan.

However, the aviation industry supports the introduction, noting that it could improve passenger processing efficiency and strengthen international competitiveness. Additionally, when Incheon Airport Corporation surveyed 2,500 domestic and foreign departing passengers about the introduction of fast track in June last year, over 70% were in favor.

President Lee said, "Middle Eastern royalty invited to Korea for business receive exceptional treatment, but they find it absurd to stand in the same departure line when leaving through Incheon Airport." He added, "If an appropriate fee level is set without charging an excessively high amount that creates a sense of alienation, the public will likely perceive it as a paid service and form a consensus."

On the 13th, one day before the Chuseok holiday, the departure hall of Terminal 1 at Incheon International Airport is bustling with crowds heading overseas for the holiday period. Photo by Jo Yongjun jun21@