Major airports and airlines in South Korea
Among the 15 airports in South Korea, Incheon International Airport is the largest, showing a consolidated revenue of over one trillion South Korean won and a recovery from the decline recorded in previous years due to the outbreak of COVID-19. Other major airports include Gimpo International Airport, in Seoul, and Gimhae International Airport in Busan. Gimpo International Airport still plays a vital role in domestic flights, having been the primary airport for Seoul before the construction of Incheon International Airport. Despite the major impact of the coronavirus outbreak on the airline industry, international inbound air passenger traffic showed signs of recovery in 2022, with international flight numbers approaching pre-pandemic levels.Leading domestic airlines
Key players in the nation’s air transportation system are Korean Air and Asiana Airlines, with both leading the ranks in the number of international air passengers in South Korea. Jeju Air recorded the highest number of international passengers among low-cost carriers. South Korean low-cost airlines primarily serve domestic and international destinations in Asia, such as Vietnam and the Philippines.Prospects for the air transportation industry
Like air passenger traffic, air freight in South Korea has also been rising, with almost 40,000 recorded international outbound air cargo flights. Products that are exported from South Korea include medical supplies and IT-related items such as semiconductors, computers, and smartphones. The leading destinations for air cargo exports included mostly regions in Asia, such as China and Vietnam, but also the United States.As the global recovery from COVID-19 gains momentum, the air transportation industry has experienced a resurgence to pre-pandemic levels of traffic. This is particularly notable as South Korea continues to gain popularity as a tourist destination, leading to a corresponding increase in the number of inbound visitors. This positive trend not only signals a revival for the aviation sector but also emphasizes South Korea's growing significance in the global travel landscape, ensuring ongoing connectivity in the post-pandemic era.