Record-High Average Daily Passengers During Chuseok Holiday
All-Time High for Departing Passengers and Flight Operations
During this year's Chuseok holiday period (October 2-9, 2025), the average daily number of passengers using Incheon International Airport exceeded 210,000, marking the highest turnout ever recorded for a Chuseok holiday period.
On October 12, Incheon International Airport Corporation announced that the airport handled an average of 217,613 passengers per day during the holiday, setting a new record for the highest number of passengers during Chuseok since the airport opened. This figure is the second highest among all major holidays (Lunar New Year and Chuseok).
The previous record for the highest average daily passenger count during a Chuseok holiday was set during last year’s Chuseok holiday (September 13-18, 2024) with 204,480 passengers. This year’s figure represents an approximate 6.4% increase over last year.
The single busiest day during this year’s holiday period was October 8, with 228,846 passengers. The highest number of departing passengers was recorded on October 3, with 137,390 departures, while the highest number of arriving passengers was on October 9, with 125,826 arrivals.
Notably, on October 3, the number of departing passengers surpassed 130,000 for the first time since the airport’s opening, breaking the previous record of 126,994 set during this year’s Lunar New Year holiday. On October 4 (130,071 departures) and October 5 (129,550 departures), the number of departing passengers also exceeded the previous record, with approximately 130,000 departures each day.
By region, the total number of international passengers was as follows: Southeast Asia (448,000), Japan (432,000), China (296,000), Northeast Asia (175,000), the Americas (150,000), Europe (127,000), Oceania (65,000), the Middle East (27,000), and Other regions (8,000).
During the same period, there were a total of 9,906 flights, averaging 1,238 flights per day. On October 3, the number of flights reached 1,281, setting a new all-time high for daily flight operations since the airport opened.
A panoramic view of the passenger terminal at Incheon Airport. Provided by Incheon International Airport Corporation
Despite challenging circumstances, the airport corporation maintained normal operations throughout the Chuseok holiday by implementing a joint special response plan with related agencies. In particular, in response to partial strikes by some subsidiaries during the holiday, the airport activated an emergency response headquarters and deployed both internal and external substitute personnel, as well as essential staff, in cooperation with the subsidiaries to ensure stable airport operations.
President Lee Hakjae stated, "During this year's Chuseok holiday, Incheon Airport saw a record number of passengers, and we made every effort to maintain stable operations for the safety and comfort of travelers. I would like to thank all airport staff for their dedication under difficult circumstances, and we will continue to provide convenient services to the public in the future."
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