BUSAN, April 24, 2024 — After five years of construction, the new expansion of the Gimhae International Terminal is set to officially open on April 26. This development comes as a significant upgrade to the region’s aviation infrastructure, promising to enhance the international travel experience for millions of passengers.
The expansion increases the terminal’s capacity from 6.3 million to 8.3 million passengers annually, with the potential to accommodate up to 11.56 million passengers based on service level standards. This upgrade addresses the previous shortfall that saw passenger numbers exceed 10 million in 2018 and 2019, making Gimhae the only regional airport to surpass this milestone prior to the pandemic.
The new terminal features added facilities, including an additional immigration hall on the first floor with 11 new immigration counters and two extra baggage carousels. These improvements are expected to alleviate congestion, especially during the peak morning hours between 6 and 9 AM.
The expansion of Gimhae Airport is a strategic move ahead of the upcoming inauguration of the Gadeokdo New Airport. It is anticipated to significantly bolster the capacity for international flights in the southern region of the country.
In addition to the physical expansion, the city of Busan is actively working to secure more air routes. The government has recently acquired additional air rights for Indonesia, focusing on cities like Jakarta and Bali, which will facilitate the introduction of regular flights from Busan. Efforts are also underway to establish direct flights to Europe and North America, with ongoing negotiations for financial support to airlines and consultations with aviation experts to expand the global network.
A commemorative event is scheduled for April 24 at 10:30 AM at the Gimhae International Terminal departure hall. Distinguished guests, including Busan’s Mayor Park Heong-joon, Korea Airport Corporation Vice President Lee Jung-ki, and various national and regional officials, are expected to attend.
Mayor Park emphasized the city’s commitment to enhancing its global connectivity and transforming Busan into a major hub city. He also highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts with airlines and related organizations to maintain and expand the regional airline, aiming to foster its growth into a leading carrier in the Asia-Pacific region.
The opening of the expanded Gimhae International Terminal marks a significant step in enhancing the region’s air transport capacity and underscores Busan’s ambitious plans to become a pivotal gateway in international air travel. With the city’s efforts to increase service capacity and improve airport facilities, the future of air travel in Busan looks promising, ensuring that it remains at the forefront of connecting Korea with the world.
