Korea Airports Corporation Discusses Revitalization of Regional Airports with Nine National Airlines

Accelerating Improvement of Azimuth Guidance Facilities
and Establishment of Gimhae's Second Departure Hall

Korea Airports Corporation announced on May 20 that it held a meeting with nine national airlines, including Korean Air and Asiana Airlines, in the conference room of its headquarters in Gangseo-gu, Seoul, to discuss measures for ensuring aviation safety and cooperating on revitalizing regional airports.

Jungki Lee, Acting President of Korea Airports Corporation (fourth from the left in the first row), is giving a greeting to attendees at the national airlines meeting held on the 20th in the conference room of the headquarters in Gangseo-gu, Seoul. Photo by Korea Airports Corporation

This meeting was organized to implement the government's aviation safety innovation plan and to enhance passenger convenience by ensuring stable operations of regional airport routes.

In response to the Jeju Air accident that occurred at Muan International Airport on December 29, 2024, the corporation decided to promptly improve nine azimuth guidance facilities at seven airports nationwide to enhance the safety of aircraft approach, takeoff, and landing. To alleviate congestion at Gimhae and Cheongju airports, the corporation will expedite the establishment of Gimhae's second departure hall. Expansion of Cheongju's terminal and support facilities will also be accelerated.

Additionally, the corporation will provide institutional support such as reducing airport facility usage fees and will cooperate with local governments to support the finances of airlines. The aim is to reduce airlines' operational burdens and secure transportation accessibility and mobility rights for local residents. Airlines also shared difficulties such as securing aircraft and declining demand, and proposed cooperation measures to maintain and expand regional routes.

Participants also discussed strategies to promote the use of inland routes, such as developing air travel products linked to local tourism resources and launching promotional campaigns to offer free flight tickets to foreign visitors. The goal is to create a sustainable operating environment based on a balance between aviation demand and supply.

Jungki Lee, Acting President of Korea Airports Corporation, stated, "We will continue to cooperate with national airlines to strengthen the safety foundation of airports and strive to improve the convenience of local residents through the revitalization of regional routes."