"Got the Flight Ticket, But Now What?" Parking Crisis at Airports Becomes Reality Ahead of Lunar New Year Holiday

Surging Overseas Travel Demand Ahead of Lunar New Year
Parking Infrastructure Stretched at Incheon and Regional Airports
Public Transit and Off-Site Parking Emerge as Alternatives

As demand for international travel surges ahead of the Lunar New Year holiday, a so-called "parking crisis" is becoming a reality at major airports across the country. Both airline ticket bookings and the number of travelers have increased simultaneously, and the influx of family travelers has led to a concentration of private car use. Advance reservation parking lots are already fully booked, and severe congestion is expected for on-site parking as well.

On December 31 last year, Terminal 1 of Incheon International Airport was bustling with travelers.

Soaring Travel Demand... Family Travel Intensifies Parking Shortage

According to the travel industry on February 1, demand for overseas travel during this Lunar New Year holiday has shown a marked increase compared to last year. Yellow Balloon Tour reported that overseas package reservations during the holiday period increased by more than 25% year-on-year. Skyscanner data also showed that the number of flight ticket searches at the beginning of the year rose by 4.12% compared to last year.

Notably, the high proportion of family travelers during this holiday is a significant factor. In a Skyscanner survey, 44% of Korean travelers responded that they "plan to travel with family." As the number of families of three or four or more traveling with children and luggage increases, demand for private vehicles as the preferred means of getting to the airport is expected to surge, surpassing public transportation.

Incheon Airport Advance Reservations Completely Sold Out... Situation More Severe at Regional Airports Without Reservation Systems

While demand has soared, the parking infrastructure is already saturated. According to Incheon International Airport's parking reservation system, all advance reservation slots for Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 are fully booked for the holiday period from February 13 to 18.

Even Terminal 2, which previously had more availability, has seen its parking spaces quickly fill up as more passengers flock there due to changes in Asiana Airlines' flight operations. Vehicles that failed to secure advance reservations will have to use on-site parking, but long queues and a parking crisis appear unavoidable.

On July 26, 2024, the long-term parking lot at Incheon International Airport is filled with vehicles of people who have gone on vacation.

The situation at regional airports is even more challenging. Gimhae Airport abolished its parking reservation system entirely on January 1, citing efficiency issues, and now operates 100% on a first-come, first-served basis. Cheongju Airport and Daegu Airport, where international demand has also surged, either lack reservation systems or have extremely limited parking capacity, making it highly likely that congestion will worsen during the holiday period. The structural shortage of alternative parking spaces is seen as a factor exacerbating the problem.

Travelers Seek Alternative Solutions

With official airport parking lots virtually inaccessible, travelers are seeking alternatives. More people are parking at private lots near the airport and then using public transportation or shuttle services. There is also a growing trend of considering airport rail, limousine buses, or taxis instead of private cars.

In particular, using the Airport Railroad Express allows travelers to reach Incheon Airport Terminal 1 from Seoul Station in 43 minutes and Terminal 2 in 51 minutes, helping them avoid traffic congestion. By utilizing the City Airport Terminals at Seoul Station or Gwangmyeong Station, travelers can complete pre-departure immigration procedures, significantly reducing waiting times at the airport.

Checking Real-Time Information Is 'Essential'

Incheon Airport Real-Time Parking Lot Congestion. Incheon Airport Website

Nevertheless, for those who must drive to the airport, real-time parking and terminal congestion information for Incheon Airport can be checked on the official airport website or major portals such as Naver. By searching for terms like "Incheon Airport congestion" or "Incheon Airport parking lot," travelers can access real-time data such as "expected number of passengers by departure hall and time slot" and "number of available parking spaces by parking lot floor."