Incheon Main Customs "Nearly 10,000 Users of Non-Stop Tourist Flights in Four Months"

On the 20th, passengers of Air Seoul's overseas non-landing flight moved to the boarding gate at Terminal 1 of Incheon International Airport.

Air Seoul's overseas non-landing flight departed from Incheon Airport, circled over Japanese airspace, and returned, recording a 98% occupancy rate, receiving high interest from passengers.

Air Seoul plans to operate three more overseas non-landing flights on March 6th, 14th, and 21st. Photo by Airport Photographers Group

[Asia Economy Reporter Dongwoo Lee] Incheon Main Customs announced on the 27th that the total number of users of non-landing international sightseeing flights through Incheon Airport has nearly reached 10,000 over the past four months.

According to Incheon Main Customs, from December 12 last year to April 18 this year, there were a total of 88 non-landing international sightseeing flights through Incheon Airport, with 9,636 passengers. By airline type, 2,694 passengers used full-service carriers (FSC) and 6,942 used low-cost carriers (LCC).

Among the users, 8,579 purchased duty-free goods, accounting for 89% of the total, with an average purchase amount of $1,375 per person. Those who purchased over $600 included 668 passengers from full-service carriers and 3,971 from low-cost carriers.

The duty-free allowance for international sightseeing flight passengers is $600 per person. Additionally, duty-free benefits apply separately to liquor (1ℓ, under $400), 200 cigarettes, and perfume (60ml).

By purchase item, cosmetics (12.1%) and perfumes (10.9%) were the most frequently bought, and the average purchase amount per transaction was highest for luxury handbags and watches at approximately 1.5 million KRW.

The customs clearance time, which initially took about 65 minutes for non-landing international sightseeing flights, has now decreased by 42% to 38 minutes.

An official from Incheon Main Customs urged, “Travelers who voluntarily declare can receive a 30% reduction in customs duty (up to 150,000 KRW), but failure to voluntarily declare may result in a 40% additional tax or confiscation. Therefore, travelers exceeding $600 must make a voluntary declaration.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.