Jeju Island's Airport: Is One Enough?

Jeju International Airport is the second-largest airport in South Korea and the only international airport on Jejudo Island, also known as the Island of the Gods. The airport, which opened in 1968, serves many mainland destinations in South Korea and international destinations in mainland China, Hong Kong, Japan, Taiwan, Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore. In 2015, 26,237,562 passengers used the airport, with the Seoul-Jeju route remaining the busiest in the world. Due to the airport operating beyond its designed capacity, a second airport was announced in 2023.

Jeju International Airport is the second-largest airport in South Korea

Jeju International Airport, which opened in 1968, serves many mainland destinations in South Korea and international destinations in China, Hong Kong, Japan, Taiwan, Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore. In 2015, the airport accommodated 26,237,562 passengers. It is the endpoint of the world's busiest airline route, Jeju to/from Seoul-Gimpo, with over 13.7 million passengers traveling on that route in 2023. Jeju is also home to Jeju Air, Korea's leading LCC.

Due to the airport operating beyond its designed passenger capacity, plans for a second airport were announced in 2019. The US$5.1 billion project, to be located in Seongsan-eup near the southern city of Seogwipo, has faced significant delays and controversies due to concerns over its potential impact on groundwater sources and protected species in the area.

In 2019, Jeju International Airport surpassed 30 million passengers despite being designed to handle a maximum of 26 million. The Seoul-Jeju route has remained the busiest in the world, with common flight delays. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport announced a US$4.18 billion construction plan in 2019 that would help accommodate more flights and passengers. However, the Ministry of Environment cancelled the plans in 2021 due to environmental concerns.

It is one of the world's busiest airports

Jeju International Airport is the second-largest airport in South Korea and one of the world's busiest airports. It is located in Jeju City, the capital of Jeju Province, on the southern coast of South Korea. Jeju Island is a popular holiday destination for Koreans, attracting millions of tourists each year due to its beautiful beaches, volcanic landscape, and other attractions.

The airport, which opened in 1968, serves many mainland destinations in South Korea and international destinations in China, Japan, Taiwan, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, and Hong Kong. In 2015, it served 26,237,562 passengers, exceeding its designed capacity. In 2019, the airport surpassed 30 million passengers. The Jeju-Seoul route is the busiest airline route globally, with over 13.7 million passengers in 2023 and 17 million annual seats.

The high passenger volume at Jeju International Airport has led to frequent flight delays and the need for a second airport on the island. The original airport operates beyond its designed capacity, leading to the announcement of a second airport in Seongsan-eup, near Seogwipo City. However, this project has faced significant delays and controversies due to environmental concerns.

Jeju International Airport is easily accessible by various transportation options, including taxi, bus, and shuttle services. It offers facilities such as duty-free shops, convenience stores, and a VIP Meet and Greet Service for a seamless travel experience. The airport is also known for its geopolitical importance as the centre of Northeast Asia, connecting Southeast Asian countries.

The airport serves mainland South Korea and international destinations

Jeju International Airport, which opened in 1968, is the second-largest airport in South Korea. It is located in Jeju City, on Jejudo Island, also known as the "Island of the Gods". The airport serves many mainland destinations in South Korea, including Seoul-Gimpo, which is the world's busiest airline route. In 2023, over 13.7 million passengers travelled between Jeju and Seoul-Gimpo.

In addition to domestic flights, Jeju International Airport also serves several international destinations. These include several countries in mainland China, Hong Kong, Japan, Taiwan, Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore. The airport has separate domestic and international terminals. The international terminal has a small duty-free shop, as well as a duty-free pickup zone for items bought online or at duty-free shops on the island.

Jeju has gained popularity as a resort destination, and the number of international visitors has been increasing. In 2019, the airport passed 30 million passengers, despite being designed for a maximum of 26 million. This high volume of passengers has resulted in frequent flight delays. To address this issue, plans were announced in 2019 for a second airport near Seogwipo City in southern Jeju. This $4.18 billion project would accommodate 18.98 million passengers per year and take 50% of domestic flights to Jeju. However, in 2021, the Ministry of Environment cancelled these plans due to concerns about the local environment, including Jeju's groundwater sources and protected species in the area.

Jeju International Airport offers a range of facilities and services for its passengers. These include a VIP Meet and Greet Service, which provides assistance with arrival, departure, and customs clearance. The airport is easily accessible by taxi, with trustworthy drivers, and local buses that connect to various locations on the island.

A second airport is planned to be constructed in Seongsan-eup

Jeju International Airport, located in Jeju City, is the second-largest airport in South Korea. It is the only international airport serving Jeju Island, which is also known as the "Island of the Gods" or the "Hawaii of Korea". Jeju has gained popularity as a resort destination, leading to a surge in the number of international visitors. The airport, which opened in 1968, was designed to handle a maximum of 26 million passengers. However, in 2019, the airport surpassed 30 million passengers, far exceeding its capacity.

Due to the airport's limited capacity and the increasing number of visitors to Jeju, it was announced in 2023 that a second airport would be constructed in Seongsan-eup, near the southern city of Seogwipo. This $5.1 billion project is expected to accommodate 18.98 million passengers per year and will take over 50% of the domestic flights to Jeju. The new airport will significantly ease the strain on the existing airport and improve travel to and from the island.

The decision to build a second airport in Seongsan-eup was made after careful consideration of the region's infrastructure and development needs. Seongsan-eup is located on the eastern side of Jeju Island, offering an ideal location for an additional airport. The area boasts breathtaking natural scenery, including the iconic Seongsan Ilchulbong, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its dramatic sunrise views. The construction of the new airport in this area will not only enhance Jeju's accessibility but also promote the region's natural beauty and cultural attractions.

The plans for the second airport in Seongsan-eup have faced some challenges and delays. Environmental concerns have been raised, with worries that the airport construction could negatively impact Jeju's groundwater sources and protected species in the area. The Ministry of Environment initially cancelled the plans in 2021 due to these environmental considerations. However, the project has since been re-evaluated, and efforts are being made to address these issues and ensure the protection of Jeju's natural environment during the construction and operation of the new airport.

The construction of the second airport in Seongsan-eup is a significant development for Jeju Island. It will help manage the increasing tourism and travel demands while also promoting the region's economic growth and cultural appeal. The project showcases Jeju's commitment to balancing infrastructure development with environmental conservation, ensuring that the island remains a sustainable and desirable destination for visitors and locals alike.

Jeju International Airport is located in Jeju City

The airport offers a range of facilities and services for its passengers, including lounges, duty-free shopping, food courts, and car rental agencies. There are also banking services, ATMs, and a variety of dining options, including coffee shops, restaurants, and a food court on the fourth floor of the domestic zone. Jeju International Airport is the only international airport serving Jeju Island, also known as the "Island of the Gods" or the "Hawaii of Korea." The island is a popular tourist destination, known for its beaches, volcanic landscape, and biosphere reserve.

Due to the airport operating beyond its designed capacity, there have been plans to construct a second airport in Seongsan-eup, near Seogwipo City. However, this project has faced delays and controversies due to environmental concerns. Jeju International Airport is home to Jeju Air, Korea's leading low-cost carrier. The airport provides shuttle, taxi, and transfer services to anywhere in Jeju, making it convenient for passengers to reach their destinations upon arrival.

Jeju International Airport has experienced several notable incidents over the years. In 1982, a Republic of Korea Air Force plane crashed while approaching the airport in bad weather, resulting in the deaths of all 53 occupants. In 1994, a Korean Air flight overran the runway during landing, but fortunately, all 160 passengers and crew survived. In 2011, an Asiana Airlines flight experienced an in-flight fire and crashed while attempting to divert to Jeju.

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