OREANDA-NEWS.  January 14, 2014. The annual number of passengers using Incheon international airport passed 40 million for the first time since its opening.

The corporation had a ceremony to welcome the 40 millionth visitor around 11 o’clock in the morning on December 25 where president Jung of the company delivered gifts to the Chinese passenger who landed with Asiana 368. She received a key that represents good luck and round-trip tickets and duty-free gift card.

Nearly 39 million passengers used the airport in 2012 and this year, the number went over 40 million with the growth of low-cost carriers and increased number of Chinese passengers. The number of passengers using Incheon airport has grown by 6.4% year-on-year on average since its opening in 2001 when merely 14 million used the airport. Further, the number of airlines providing service in Incheon went up from 47 to 84 over the past 13 years. The number of cities they’re linking rose from 109 to 176 with rising transfer passengers from 1.63 million to 7.06 million during the same period.

By reaching the 40 millionth passenger, IIAC set a new milestone as it is put in the ‘large airport’ category by Airport Council International, ACI, which is the group for airports whose number of passengers go over 40 million a year.

ICT, secret for the expedited immigration procedure
Despite rapid growth in passengers, Incheon has been remaining its top position being ranked 1st by ASQ for the eighth year in a row.

This is largely thanks to information and communication technology that Incheon adopted in the immigration system: kiosks for check-in and computer system that dispatches manpower considering the number of expected passengers. Further, it takes only 19 minutes for departure and 12 minutes for arrival in Incheon which are three times faster than ICAO’s standard: 60 minutes for departure; 45 minutes for arrival.   

Better efficiency and the new terminal respond to 40 million passenger era
With the current trend of 44 million passengers dealt with in Incheon, its capacity will be saturated by around 2015.

To respond to rapidly growing passenger demand, the corporation added 19 international counters to run 399 counters over all, by moving counter for domestic flights to the 1st floor. In addition, the number of entrance for departure increased to six with waiting space expanded and parking lots for additional 2,000 cars all of which would help minimize passengers’ inconvenience that could occur until the new terminal construction is finished.

Meanwhile the construction of the 2nd terminal is expected to be completed by 2017 when PyeongChang Winter Games is held. Once the new terminal opens, additional 18 million passengers could be covered. With the new cargo terminal and apron, the 2nd terminal would be the fundamental solution for the growing number of passengers as it deals with 62 million from 44 million passengers and 5.8 million tons of cargo from 4.5million. 

Many Asian nations are paying attention to the economic value that a hub airport can create and in a fierce competition to expand airport facilities to lead the aviation market.

By building the 2nd terminal, Incheon airport will not only expand its capacity but also lead the aviation industry. Under the three initiatives Green, Eco and Smart, the terminal would be equipped with state-of-the-art technology and eco-friendly facilities that use energy in more efficient way.

“Every detail won’t be missed from the design to management of the terminal to make it more efficient and give satisfaction to customers. This is how IIAC guides the third phase construction and meets the growing demand”, said Jung Chang-soo, president of the corporation.