228,000 Passengers Expected Daily at Incheon Airport During Chuseok Holiday, Projected to Reach All-Time High

1. 1.14 Million Passengers Expected from September 23 to 27
2. Major Departure Halls to Open 30 Minutes Early; Up to 45 CT X-ray Machines in Operation

During the Chuseok holiday period, Incheon International Airport is expected to handle an average of 228,000 passengers per day, marking the highest record for any Chuseok holiday. In anticipation of the increase in passengers, Incheon International Airport Corporation will implement special transportation measures, including the early opening of departure halls, expansion of smart services, and enhanced parking and public transportation solutions.

On September 22, Incheon International Airport Corporation announced that it expects approximately 1.14 million passengers to use Incheon Airport between September 23 and September 27, the Chuseok holiday period. The daily average is projected to be 228,000 passengers, representing a 4.8% increase compared to last year's Chuseok holiday daily average of 217,614.

On the 7th, the duty-free area in Terminal 2 of Incheon International Airport was bustling with travelers as the airport reached a cumulative total of 1 billion passengers. July 7, 2026. Photo by Kang Jinhyung

September 27 is expected to be the busiest day during the holiday, with 247,018 passengers using the airport. The highest number of departing passengers is anticipated on September 24, with 131,999 travelers, while the highest number of arriving passengers is expected on September 27, with 139,695 people.

In response to increased passenger numbers, the corporation will implement comprehensive special transportation measures across all aspects of airport operations in cooperation with relevant agencies. Major departure halls with high morning demand will open 30 minutes earlier than usual, and 25 new security screening staff will be deployed. On September 24, the day with the highest departing passenger volume, up to 45 CT X-ray machines will be in operation to enhance security screening capabilities.

Smart service offerings will also be expanded. Self check-in will now be available through 24 airlines, up from the previous 20, while self bag drop will be provided by 13 airlines, an increase of 3. Additionally, 34 dedicated staff will be deployed to assist with smart service guidance, including Smart Pass, self check-in, and self bag drop.

Efforts to manage congestion will be strengthened as well. During the holiday period, a 'Peak Season Passenger Flow Management Center' will operate to monitor congestion in real time at check-in counters and departure hall queues. On-site staff will be increased from the usual 47 to 83. The AI-based departure time estimation service, previously offered in Terminal 1, has been expanded to Terminal 2.

Measures for parking and transportation have also been established. Additional parking for 1,767 vehicles has been secured by utilizing the second joint government building and temporary parking lots, and more shuttle buses will connect the long-term parking lot to Terminal 2. Advance coordination has been completed with related businesses to increase the number of airport bus reserves and operating taxis.

For flight safety, inspections of aprons and airfield facilities will be intensified. In preparation for adverse weather conditions such as typhoons, pre-inspections of 188 aircraft tie-down facilities have been completed, and the number of runway movement area inspections will be increased from 14 to 17 times.

The corporation is recommending that passengers arrive at the airport three hours before their flight's departure, and urges the active use of both public transportation and smart services.

Beomho Kim, Acting President of Incheon International Airport Corporation, stated, "During the Chuseok holidays, over 94,000 airport employees are working together to provide even safer and more convenient airport services for the safe and comfortable overseas travel of everyone. Please make active use of public transportation and the diverse smart services available."

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