A IRP OR T S


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While cutting-edge biometric security-screening


technology, such as the facial-recognition soſtware being implemented at Changi International airport’s newest Terminal 4 building, is also available at Incheon, it is largely restricted to Korean passport holders. Terminal 2 also offers a variety of food and beverage


outlets, many of which focus on Korean cuisine from different regions of the country. Chung says that the idea for a cosmetic-surgery facility right in the new terminal building has even been floated, though as yet no such offering appears to have opened up. On the duty-free side the new terminal


The new departure halls at Incheon’s Terminal 2 have greatly reduced congestion


end of 2018. It is scheduled for completion by 2023, by which point the airport will be able to handle 100 million passengers annually. Aside from meeting immediate capacity demands, the


“We want to build an airport that is convenient, efficient and safe”


features outlets from Lotte, Te Shilla, Shinsegae, City Duty Free and SM, along with numerous high-end brands ranging from Longchamp and Salvatore Ferragamo to Rimowa and Montblanc.


PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE Yet even with the completion of its third phase project, Incheon Airport’s passenger handling challenges won’t be over. Te additional 18-million capacity will provide breathing room for three years, but passenger levels are again expected to outstrip existing infrastructure by 2020. Tis is what an additional four trillion won (£2.8


billion) expansion plan aims to tackle. Planning and design for this fourth phase, which will comprise the north- eastern part of the new H-shaped terminal building, began in May last year with construction expected to begin at the


S E P TEMBE R 2 0 18


plan also encompasses entertainment and leisure facilities. Back in April 2017, the new Paradise City integrated resort and casino opened its doors close to the Terminal 1 building. A new project, the Inspire Integrated Resort, is also on the way, part of a collaboration with US casino resort company Mohegan Sun and Korean chemicals manufacturer KCC. Being built at a cost of US$5 billion, the resort will be located on Yeongjong Island near the airport and is due to open in 2020. A new golf course – the airport’s second on site – is also in the pipeline and similarly has a 2020 opening date. “What’s more important for us is to expand further and


actually build an ‘Air City’ with the airport at its centre,” says Chung. “It will include hotels, resorts, casinos and even catering, and we have plans for that up to 2030.” Chung adds that the main goal of the airport is to make it fun for passengers as well as convenient, such that transit passengers are tempted to spend four hours or even up to a whole day at the airport. As for further expansions or even a third terminal,


Chung says these could also be on the cards, though that depends on how growth projections play out. Despite the airport’s booming growth, current levels aren’t expected to continue at quite the same rate over the long term. “We will think about the fiſth phase, or perhaps a new terminal,” he says, “but that would have to depend on whether we actually need to expand further and what our demand projections are.” BT


busin e s s t r a ve lle r . c o m


PHOTO: GENSLER/WANSOON PARK


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