Incheon Airport Union Urges Immediate Withdrawal of Government's Airport Integration Plan

Government Pushes for Integration of Incheon Airport, Korea Airports Corporation, and Gadukdo
Union Signals Readiness for Strike... "Airport Competitiveness at Risk"

The labor union of Incheon International Airport Corporation has expressed its position, demanding the immediate withdrawal of the government's plan to merge airport operators.

On the 12th, ahead of the Lunar New Year holiday, the duty-free area at Terminal 2 of Incheon International Airport was bustling with travelers. 2026.2.12 Photo by Kang Jinhyung

The Incheon Airport Joint Action Committee Against Hasty Integration, which is composed of unions within Incheon Airport, released a statement on the 16th, saying, "The government is considering the integration of airport operators, including Incheon International Airport, Korea Airports Corporation, and the Gaduk New Airport Construction Authority, citing securing funds for new airport construction, improving operational efficiency, and enhancing aviation competitiveness as reasons. We urge the government to immediately halt this irresponsible attempt to shift the failure of regional airport policies onto Incheon Airport, and to withdraw the integration plan of the three airport operators, which will cause public inconvenience and deterioration of public services."

The committee added, "Incheon Airport itself is at a critical juncture, where it must simultaneously pursue large-scale facility expansion and investment to strengthen its hub competitiveness amid declining profits and rising costs. If Incheon Airport is further burdened with covering regional airport deficits and the financial responsibility of new airport construction under these circumstances, its capacity to invest will inevitably be severely weakened."

The committee stressed, "If the government ultimately forces through the integration, we solemnly warn that all 50,000 Incheon Airport workers will mobilize every possible means, including a general strike, and launch an all-out struggle without retreat."

It is reported that the government has conveyed relevant details to the organizations concerned, including Incheon International Airport Corporation, Korea Airports Corporation, and the Gaduk New Airport Construction Authority, as part of its effort to proceed with the integration.

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