The successful hosting of the 2025 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province, was made possible thanks to the dedication of many individuals who worked diligently behind the scenes. In particular, Gimhae International Airport, the main gateway for the APEC event, was on high alert throughout the summit as it welcomed key leaders such as U.S. President Donald Trump, Chinese President Xi Jinping, and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.

Chinese President Xi Jinping's private plane arrived at Busan Gimhae International Airport on the 30th of last month during his state visit to South Korea ahead of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) 2025. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

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According to Korea Airports Corporation, which manages Gimhae Airport and other facilities, approximately 30 dedicated aircraft carrying heads of state landed at Gimhae Airport for the APEC Summit. During the APEC period from October 27 to 31, the number of international passengers at Gimhae Airport reached 148,776, an increase of 4,178 from the previous week. A representative from the corporation commented, "It is remarkable that the number of international passengers at a regional airport increased by more than 4,000 in just one week."

More than 280 Gimhae Airport staff and around 50 dispatched personnel reported for duty as early as dawn from October 26 to November 3, ensuring the airport's smooth operation. Management, including Acting President Lee Jungki and Operations Headquarters Director Son Jongha, were also stationed at the airport from October 28 to 30. One manager who participated in the dispatch said, "We worked from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m., and sometimes until midnight if things ran late," adding, "We supported the event by adjusting our sleep schedules to match the arrival and departure times of various heads of state."

The protocol office at Gimhae Airport was especially busy. Just before landing, one country attending APEC urgently requested protocol room access for 12 people. Accommodating 12 people at once in the protocol room of a small regional international airport was unprecedented. In advance, all delegations had been notified that only six people-typically the head of state and their spouse, secretary, security, interpreter, and physician-could use the protocol room upon arrival.

Gimhae International Airport created a welcoming atmosphere during the APEC Summit. Provided by Korea Airports Corporation

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Lee Jaewan, Director of Protocol at Korea Airports Corporation, who oversaw protocol at Gimhae Airport, was faced with a dilemma just before the plane landed. He wanted to accommodate as many guests as possible, but overcrowding could disrupt immigration procedures. When a total of 12 people, including ministers and their secretaries and security, disembarked along with the six-member delegation, the corporation decided to double the staff and process all 12 at once. Director Lee said, "Our priority was to ensure that visiting heads of state did not experience any inconvenience at the airport during this national event," adding, "I encouraged protocol and security staff to do their best to showcase 'K-Airport,' and for the first time in the airport's history, 12 people were able to receive protocol services simultaneously."

During the APEC Summit, an unprecedented situation arose when the labor union of a subsidiary went on strike, but staff responded calmly and mobilized all available resources. Jeong Jiuk, Head of Operations Planning at Gimhae Airport, noted, "Although workers responsible for cleaning and parking joined the strike, we were able to maintain stable airport operations by immediately deploying replacement personnel."

To ensure the successful hosting of the APEC Summit, airports nationwide, including Gimhae, began preparations six months in advance. In May, Operations Director Son established the "APEC Task Force," and by July, he shared, "Gimhae Airport will be the primary focus for APEC. We plan to expand the departure area and create a dedicated APEC lane." Last month, a second departure hall exclusively for APEC, measuring 656 square meters, was set up on the second floor of Gimhae Airport.

On the 29th of last month, Lee Jungki, Acting President of Korea Airports Corporation (center), conducted an on-site inspection at Gimhae Airport. Photo by Korea Airports Corporation

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Korea Airports Corporation also set up a shuttle bus stop and waiting area on the first floor of the Gimhae Airport international terminal for transportation to the Bomun Tourist Complex in Gyeongju, enhancing convenience for both domestic and international VIPs and participants. A temporary CIQ (quarantine, immigration, and customs) facility was established at Pohang Gyeongju Airport, and VIP lounges at Gimhae, Daegu, and Pohang Gyeongju airports were remodeled to welcome guests.

Jeon Eunyoung, Manager of Landside Operations, who was in charge of APEC support at the corporation, commented, "Large-scale international events are rare, so this was an opportunity for staff to gain new experience and know-how."

Incheon International Airport Corporation also assisted with the national event. Additional parking stands for dedicated aircraft were secured, an APEC-only information desk was set up at Incheon Airport, and the intercity bus route to Gyeongju was expanded.