Incheon Airport Braces for Peak Summer Travel: 120,000 Expected to Depart Over the Weekend

Incheon International Airport is bustling with travelers heading abroad. On the morning of the 28th

With the summer vacation season officially underway, Incheon International Airport is bustling with travelers heading abroad. On the morning of the 28th, the airport’s departure areas were packed with people, and nearly 120,000 passengers are expected to depart over the weekend. During the peak summer period, the airport anticipates an average of 213,000 travelers per day, marking a significant increase from last year and pre-pandemic levels. The airport is implementing various measures to alleviate congestion and improve passenger experience.

As the summer vacation season officially kicks off, Incheon International Airport is alive with activity. On the morning of the 28th, by around 10:30 AM, the check-in counters at the departure area were so crowded that it was difficult to find a spot. Nearby cafes and fast-food outlets were filled with travelers grabbing a meal before their flights.

The convergence of summer school vacations and corporate holidays this weekend has led to a surge in travelers seeking to escape the heat and monsoon by heading abroad. Despite the heavy crowds and the hassle of carrying bulky luggage, travelers' faces were bright and cheerful.

Among the travelers, personal stories abound. Ahn Hyo-jin (39), heading to Okinawa with her children, said, "I feel like I've been working just to look forward to this vacation. My kids love swimming, and Okinawa has been featured on YouTube as a great destination, so we decided on it." Similarly, Joo Hyung-jin (40), traveling to Saipan with friends, shared, "I plan to leave all my work stress behind and come back refreshed. I'm excited as it's been a long time since I traveled with friends."

According to Incheon International Airport Corporation, about 120,000 passengers are expected to depart on the 28th and the previous day. The corporation predicts an average of around 213,000 travelers per day throughout the peak summer season, which is a 19.4% increase from last year and even surpasses pre-pandemic levels in 2019. Notably, the airport expects the highest congestion of the summer season on August 4, with an estimated 232,000 international passengers.

To address the anticipated congestion, the airport is implementing several measures, including: opening the departure area 30 minutes earlier, adding extra security checkpoints, deploying around 500 additional staff for crowd management, and expanding the number of 24-hour operational stores to 75. Furthermore, the airport will promote the use of simplified exit and entry procedures such as facial recognition and off-site baggage check-in services to reduce waiting times.

For enhanced convenience in public transportation, the airport will set up indoor bus waiting areas (4 locations) at Terminal 1 and introduce a new late-night bus route (1 route, from Guri and Namyangju). Additionally, they are adding 4,350 temporary parking spaces near the terminal, supplementing the existing 40,000-space regular parking lot.

A spokesperson from the airport noted, “We anticipate passenger numbers to reach pre-COVID levels this peak season, so utilizing simplified entry and exit services and public transportation will help ensure a smoother airport experience.”

While Incheon International Airport is expected to be very busy during the summer travel peak, the various measures and services in place are designed to ease the congestion and improve the travel experience. Travelers are advised to arrive with plenty of time to spare and make the most of the available services. Wishing everyone a pleasant and enjoyable summer vacation!