South Korea: Incheon Airport takes it up a notch

For many years, extensive renewal or expansion may have seemed unnecessary for Incheon Airport, as it has positioned itself as one of the world’s top-tier aviation hubs. But South Korea’s largest airport did not rest on its laurels. As part of its long-term vision to become the world’s third-biggest airport by year 2023, the airport has opened its second passenger terminal, marking the culmination of a nine-year construction project that cost some 5t won ($4.67b). Incheon International Airport Thursday opened Terminal 2, where four Skyteam airlines -- the nation’s flagship carrier Korean Air, Delta, Air France and KLM -- are to operate. Eighty-six other air carriers, including the country’s second-largest by sales, Asiana Airlines, will continue to operate in Terminal 1 due to space capacity, boarding convenience and operating efficiency. Commencing operation of the brand new landing strip was Korean Air’s flight KE624, which departed from Manila and landed in Incheon around 4:20 a.m. A total of 235 flights -- 117 departing and 118 arriving -- operated in Terminal 2 on its opening day, transporting 51,161 inbound and outbound passengers, according to the airport’s operator. The new terminal, which is about 71% the size of the first one, is to handle 18m passengers annually, rising to 46m once additional wings are completed.<br/>