It is argued that the '5th phase expansion project' to build the 3rd passenger terminal and the 5th runway should be expedited as the passenger capacity of Incheon International Airport is expected to reach saturation in 2033.

According to the results of a research service conducted by Incheon International Airport Corporation, the annual number of passengers at Incheon Airport is projected to reach 111 million in 2033. This is a 4% excess of the current annual passenger capacity of Incheon Airport, which is 106 million.

Incheon Airport expanded the 2nd passenger terminal last year, allowing it to accommodate more than 50 million passengers annually. However, an official from Incheon International Airport Corporation explained that if the current airline relocation plan is maintained, the utilization rate of the two terminals is expected to exceed 100% in 2033.

Therefore, it is urgent to promote the 5th phase project of Incheon Airport. The main content of the 5th phase project is to build the 3rd passenger terminal on the current cargo terminal site and build the 5th runway on the site of the Club72 golf course. The construction of the 3rd passenger terminal, which can accommodate about 20 million passengers annually, can lower the airport's saturation level.

Incheon International Airport Corporation expects it will take 8 to 10 years to complete the 5th phase project. Therefore, the 5th phase project should be started as soon as possible.

Based on the results of this research service, Incheon International Airport Corporation plans to make every effort to ensure that the 5th phase project is reflected in the '7th Airport Development Comprehensive Plan' being established by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport. The 5th phase project preliminary feasibility study can be applied for only if it is included in the Airport Development Comprehensive Plan.

However, persuading the government remains a challenge as the government is taking a negative stance on the expansion of Incheon Airport in order to attract passengers from new local airports such as Gadeokdo New Airport and Daegu Gyeongbuk New Airport.

An official from Incheon International Airport Corporation said, "We believe that even if the 5th phase project of Incheon Airport proceeds, it will not have a significant impact on attracting passengers from Gadeokdo New Airport and Daegu Gyeongbuk New Airport." "We plan to decide whether to proceed with the 5th phase project through consultation with the government."

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