Incheon, South Korea – Incheon International Airport celebrated the grand opening of its Phase 4 expansion on November 29th, solidifying its position as the world's third busiest airport with a capacity to handle over 100 million passengers annually.

The ambitious expansion project, which involved a total investment of 4.8 trillion won, included the enlargement of Terminal 2 and the construction of a fourth runway. The runway construction was completed in June 2021.

The latest expansion added a 750-meter "wing" structure to both sides of Terminal 2, creating 75 new aircraft stands. This expansion more than doubled the terminal's size from 387,000 square meters to 734,000 square meters. The expanded area of Terminal 2 will be fully operational starting from December 3rd.

With the completion of Phase 4, Incheon Airport's annual international passenger handling capacity has increased by 37.6% to 106 million passengers. Only Istanbul Airport in Turkey (150 million passengers) and Dubai International Airport in the United Arab Emirates (118 million passengers) have a higher annual capacity. Notably, Incheon Airport is now the only airport in the world with two terminals capable of handling over 50 million international passengers annually.

The airport's cargo handling capacity has also increased from 5 million tons to 6.3 million tons, making it the second busiest cargo airport globally. This expansion is expected to further solidify Incheon Airport's position as a global hub for semiconductor logistics, as it handles 98% of South Korea's semiconductor exports.

To enhance passenger experience, Incheon Airport has introduced various smart services, including an expanded "Smart Pass" system that utilizes AI and biometric recognition for streamlined identity verification. The airport has also implemented self-driving vehicles for passengers with disabilities and installed unmanned information kiosks for easy navigation.

In addition to its focus on efficiency, Incheon Airport is also committed to providing a cultural experience for passengers. The airport features various art installations and digital content, as well as an outdoor park within the terminal.

Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, Park Sang-woo, praised the successful completion of the Phase 4 expansion, stating that it is a testament to the government's long-term vision for the airport. "With the opening of Phase 4, Incheon Airport will serve as a new benchmark for Korea's leap forward," he said.

Lee Hak-jae, President of Incheon International Airport Corporation, expressed his satisfaction with the achievement, stating, "The completion of Phase 4 positions Incheon Airport as a world-class mega-hub. However, we anticipate reaching full capacity by 2033, and therefore, we will actively discuss with the government to initiate Phase 5, which includes the construction of a third terminal and a fifth runway."

The expansion of Incheon International Airport is expected to significantly boost South Korea's economy and enhance its global connectivity.

[ⓒ Global Economic Times. 무단전재-재배포 금지]