Incheon International Airport enters final phase of expansion, aiming to accommodate 100 million passengers by year-end

Incheon International Airport Corporation (IIAC) announced on May 29th that it will conduct a thorough test operation as its fourth-phase construction project, initiated in 2017, has entered its final stage.
As the airport’s second passenger terminal (T2) expansion is 95.34 percent complete as of April, the corporation has established an operational preparation plan consisting of four areas: construction, operation, comprehensive testing, and open readiness and evaluation, comprising 254 tasks and 3,827 execution tasks, with the goal of successfully completing the Phase 4 construction project by the end of 2024.
An official added, "Under the vision of 'Up-Great Incheon Airport,' we are focusing our efforts on preparing for the successful operation commencement of the expanded second passenger terminal area."
The fourth-phase construction project of Incheon Airport is a seven-year-long 4.8 trillion won ($3.5 billion) project doubling the size of Terminal 2.  Through this project, Incheon Airport is expected to evolve into an airport capable of serving 160 million passengers, incorporating advanced technology and cultural and artistic elements. Leveraging the expertise gained from 30 years of construction and operation since the establishment of the Seoul Airport Construction Authority in 1989, the airport aims to become the third-largest airport in the world in terms of passenger throughput.
The comprehensive testing currently underway includes system integration testing and operational testing. System integration testing focuses on verifying the seamless integration of new facilities and various systems, while operational testing comprehensively assesses the performance of airport functions. Starting from August, actual aircraft and virtual passengers will be introduced to conduct final checks on airport operations.
Upon the completion of the Phase 4 construction project at the end of the year, Incheon Airport's annual passenger capacity will increase by approximately 37.6 percent, from 77 million to 160 million, and cargo capacity will rise from 5 million tons to 6.3 million tons (an increase of 26%). It is also expected that the annual number of flights will grow from 500,000 to 600,000 (a 20% increase).
Moreover, the introduction of smart check-in and smart security services will shorten processing times, and the implementation of a smart apron control system will help reduce aircraft operation delays.
Additionally, the expanded terminal will showcase ultra-high-definition digital screens in the arrival and departure halls that show flight information and digital media arts.
The terminal will also feature two outdoor gardens(eastern and western sides) in the security zone to offer Korea’s traditional beauty to visitors.
“The IIAC plans to prepare the completion of the fourth phase of development and grand opening seamlessly with all its capacities,” IIAC President Lee Hag-jae said.
CEO Lee Hak-jae of Incheon International Airport Corporation stated, "We plan to prepare the completion of the fourth phase of development and grand opening seamlessly with all its capacities".  He added, “Through a successful second grand opening, Incheon airport will provide the world’s best service to its passengers and welcome 100 million passengers annually to Incheon.”
Meanwhile, the schedule for the commencement of operations in the second passenger terminal expansion area will be determined through a comprehensive evaluation of operational readiness results and consultations with relevant agencies.