Incheon Airport Expands Dedicated Facial Recognition 'Smart Pass' Departure Gates to Five

Gradual Expansion to Cover 50% of Airport Facilities

Support for Registration via Domestic Airlines and Financial Apps

Incheon International Airport Corporation is expanding its "Smart Pass" service, which allows passengers to depart the country using facial recognition only, without the need for a passport or boarding pass, in an effort to enhance passenger convenience.

Photo of Incheon Airport Smart Pass in use. Incheon International Airport Corporation

On May 28, Incheon International Airport Corporation announced that it would gradually expand the operation of Smart Pass, its facial recognition departure service.

Smart Pass, which was introduced in July 2023 as the first facial recognition departure service at a domestic airport, aims to improve passenger convenience and provide faster departure services. Passengers using Smart Pass can pass through the departure hall and boarding gate using only facial recognition, eliminating the need to present a passport or boarding pass and thereby reducing departure waiting times.

Starting May 28, the corporation increased the number of dedicated Smart Pass departure gates from four to five. The designated locations are Departure Gates 2 and 5 on the third floor of Terminal 1, and Gates 1D, 2C, and 2D on the third floor of Terminal 2. The corporation plans to further expand the dedicated facilities to cover up to 50% of airport operational facilities, taking into comprehensive consideration future passenger trends and other relevant factors.

To promote the use of Smart Pass and help passengers become more familiar with the service, the corporation is making extensive efforts. For example, it is providing automatic boarding pass registration services for Smart Pass users in partnership with five domestic airlines: Korean Air, Asiana Airlines, Jeju Air, T’way Air, and Air Premia. The Smart Pass can also be registered via self-service kiosks at the airport, as well as through the mobile apps of major financial institutions such as Shinhan Bank, Woori Bank, Toss, Hana Bank, and KB Kookmin Bank. Naver Pay, KakaoBank, and NH All-One Bank are also preparing to launch the service soon.

In addition, the corporation will strengthen promotional efforts for each stage of the travel process, from flight booking to departure, targeting outbound travelers who are likely to use the Smart Pass. Two new permanent registration booths will be set up in both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, with various event programs planned for passengers.

Changgyu Kim, Head of Operations at Incheon International Airport Corporation, stated, "We hope the departure process for Incheon Airport passengers becomes even smoother, and we are working hard to promote Smart Pass and improve the user environment. We will continue to drive digital innovation throughout the airport departure process so that our customers can enjoy a more convenient and secure airport experience."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.