[Exclusive] Incheon Airport to Establish Psychological Stability Room for Anxious Flyers

A Dedicated Space for Passenger Emotional Stability
Currently Under Construction... Scheduled to Open in February
Already in Operation at Major International Airports

A dedicated space for passengers who experience psychological discomfort when flying or using the airport will be established at Incheon International Airport. Until now, the airport’s support facilities have mainly focused on those with physical challenges, such as wheelchair users, but are now expanding to include emotional and psychological vulnerabilities as well.

According to industry sources on February 3, Incheon International Airport will create a psychological stability room within the lounge for transportation-vulnerable passengers at Terminal 2 by the end of this month.

This space is designed to help passengers who require emotional stability-such as those with developmental disabilities, panic disorders, or dementia-rest sufficiently and board their flights in a calm state.

The psychological stability room, which is currently under construction, is expected to be equipped with soundproofing features such as carpeted floors and soundproof doors, as well as specialized equipment for psychological comfort, including bubble tubes, fiber optic curtains, and wheel projectors.

Whereas in the past, airport facility improvements were limited to providing physical accommodations for socially disadvantaged groups, the trend is now shifting toward an “inclusive airport” that also supports the psychological stability of passengers with invisible disabilities.

In fact, major airports overseas already operate psychological stability rooms under names such as “Sensory Room.” These spaces are designed not only as quiet rooms, but also to lower practical barriers to airport use.

For example, “Presley’s Place” at Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) emphasizes hands-on adaptation. In collaboration with American Airlines, it features seats, luggage compartments, and windows identical to those on an actual aircraft, allowing passengers with developmental disabilities who are sensitive to unfamiliar environments to experience and adapt to the flight setting before boarding. Atlanta Airport (ATL) has created a sensory room in collaboration with autism specialists, incorporating engaging elements such as bubble tubes, tactile panels, and mini ball pits to encourage anxious passengers to focus on sensory play and regain composure.

An official at Incheon International Airport stated, “Construction of the psychological stability room is currently underway,” and added, “This facility is being created to provide psychological comfort for passengers who feel tension or anxiety when using the airport.”