Unacknowledged 1st generation feminist artist Park Rae-hyeon

Seoul's Incheon International Airport claimed the top spot among global international airports in the first half of 2026, handling 38.39 million passengers, according to the airport's report on the 13th. This marks the airport's global ranking of number one since its opening. London's Heathrow Airport came in second with 37.79 million passengers, while Singapore's Changi Airport secured the third position with 34.53 million passengers.

Airport passenger statistics are a key indicator for evaluating an airport's global competitiveness. Incheon Airport's ranking as the world's leader in international passengers was attributed to the surge in passengers following the start of the Middle East crisis, which caused a drop in passenger numbers at major airports like Dubai and Hong Kong.

Compared to the same period last year, Incheon Airport's international passenger volume increased by 6.3%, reaching 36.12 million. The number of connecting passengers soared by 18.1%, reaching 424,500, compared to the same period last year. Passenger numbers from Europe surged by 63.2%, with 21.4 million passengers. Passenger numbers from China and Japan, which primarily consist of transit tourists, also contributed to the increase in passengers.

In the first half of the year, the overall passenger volume at Incheon Airport recorded the highest percentage of foreign tourists, at 44.4%, the highest ever. Incheon Airport's management attributes its top ranking to infrastructure expansion and the establishment of the highest level of aviation network. Since opening, the airport has continued to expand its infrastructure in phases, and in November 2024, it completed the fourth phase, enabling it to handle up to 160 million passengers annually, placing it in the top three globally.

With 158 international routes to 139 cities in Hong Kong, 92 in Shanghai's Pudong district, and 86 in Narita, Incheon Airport boasts the highest level of aviation network among its competitors. The airport also welcomed new airlines such as Virgin Atlantic, Thai Lion Air, and Sunopsis Air this year. Delta Air Lines, based in the United States, relocated its Asian hub from Narita Airport to Incheon Airport in 2024.

Incheon Airport plans to boost its future competitiveness through artificial intelligence transition (AX) and the construction of urban air mobility (UAM) infrastructure. Incheon Airport Operations Director Kim Bum-ho expressed gratitude for the government's support, public support, and the efforts of airport staff, and pledged to continue strengthening regional connections through service innovation.