Incheon International Airport Ranked 3^rd Globally in International Passenger Traffic

Achieves Top 3 Status across Infrastructure, Passenger, and Cargo Sectors

Incheon International Airport (IIAC) has announced a historic milestone as the airport secured the third position globally in international passenger traffic for 2024, according to the latest Airports Council International(ACI) report.

With 70,669,246 international passengers recorded last year, this achievement marks the highest ranking in the airport's history since its opening in 2001.

The airport’s previous best ranking was fifth, recorded in both 2018 and 2019. Supported by a sharp increase in passenger numbers, Incheon Airport rose two places in six years to reach third place.

In addition to passenger traffic, Incheon International Airport also claimed the third position globally in air cargo operations, handling 906,067 tons in 2024, a 7.4% increase compared to the previous year(2,706,943 tons).

 *According to ACI standards, air cargo includes direct freight and transshipment cargo (excluding mail).

Following the completion of Phase 4 expansion last year, Incheon Airport now boasts infrastructure capable of accommodating 106 million international passengers annually, making it the third-largest airport globally in terms of capacity. With this trifecta of achievements across infrastructure, passenger traffic, and cargo operations, Incheon International Airport has firmly established its position among the "Global Top 3 Airports."

According to the 2024 World Airport Traffic Report published by ACI, the international passenger traffic rankings are as follows:

1. Dubai International Airport (92,331,506 passengers) 

2. Heathrow Airport (79,194,330 passengers) 

3. Incheon International Airport (70,669,246 passengers) 

4. Changi Airport (67,063,000 passengers) 

5. Schiphol Airport (66,822,849 passengers)

Notably, Incheon International Airport demonstrated the most impressive growth rate among the top five international airports, with a 26.7% increase in international passenger traffic compared to 2023. This growth rate significantly outpaced its competitors: Dubai (6.1%), Heathrow (5.7%), Changi (14.8%), and Schiphol (8.0%).

The 2024 passenger count also surpassed Incheon's previous record of 70,578,050 passengers set in 2019 by 0.1%, establishing a new all-time high since the airport's opening.

IIAC attributes this achievement to several key factors, including increased passenger volumes during the summer peak season and holiday periods, rising demand for short-haul travel influenced by the weakening yen and a strong won-dollar exchange rate, and the expansion of the airport's network infrastructure, which now includes a record 98 airlines in operation.

Particularly strong growth was observed in regional traffic, with passenger numbers increasing by 31% for Japan, 93% for China, and 37% for Northeast Asia compared to 2023.

Building on this momentum, IIAC projects that Incheon Airport's international passenger volume will reach between approximately 73.03 million and 76.64 million in 2025.

Hag-Jae Lee, President and CEO of IIAC stated that “With Incheon Airport now firmly established as a Global Top 3 airport in infrastructure, passenger traffic, and cargo handling, we will accelerate efforts to strengthen future airport competitiveness, including leading a digital transformation and developing an aviation AI innovation hub, to maintain a sustainable edge in the next generation of global competition.”