Incheon airport tops international passenger traffic

Incheon International Airport has become the world's busiest airport for international passengers in the first half of the year, surpassing major hubs such as Dubai and London, according to the airport operator. This marks the first time Incheon has topped the ranking since its opening in 2001. The airport handled 38.39 million international passengers between January and June, a 6.3% increase from the same period a year earlier, as reported by Incheon International Airport Corp. (IIAC).

This achievement places Incheon ahead of London Heathrow Airport, which served 37.79 million passengers, and Singapore Changi Airport, with 34.53 million passengers. The ranking is based on data compiled by Airports Council International. Incheon's rise to the top highlights the airport's growing significance as a global aviation hub and emphasizes the impact of Korea's long-term strategy of developing Incheon as a Northeast Asian gateway.

Since its opening, Incheon had ranked 10th globally, climbed to fifth in 2018, and reached third in 2024 before claiming the top spot this year.