Lee Hag-jae (fourth from left), president and CEO of Incheon International Airport Corp., Minister of Land Infrastructure and Transport Park Sangwoo (sixth from left), Rep. Maeng Sungkyu (eighth from left), chairman of the National Assembly's Land, Infrastructure and Transport Committee, and other figures on Nov. 29 pose for a photo at the opening ceremony for the completion of Phase 4 expansion of Incheon International Airport at the latter's Terminal 2. (Airport's official Facebook page)

By Aisylu Akhmetzianova

Incheon International Airport, the gateway to the country, has completed its Phase 4 expansion to position itself as one of the world's top three global megahubs for air travel.

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport and Incheon International Airport Corp. on Nov. 29 hosted a ceremony to mark the stage's completion.

Launched in 2017 at a cost of KRW 4.8 trillion, this phase added a fourth runway and 75 aprons along with expanding Terminal 2.

The airport's annual passenger capacity is now 106 million, up from 77 million, making it the world's third-largest airport.

Cargo handling capacity was also expanded to 6.3 million tons, second highest in the world, further boosting the airport's position as a semiconductor logistics hub processing 98% of the nation's chip exports.

Greatly enhanced smart security services offer travelers a faster and more convenient experience. And art displays and an outdoor garden make waiting at the airport more enjoyable.

Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Park Sangwoo said, "We will continue monitoring the situation before and after launching operations to ensure that services meet the highest standards of airport infrastructure."

aisylu@korea.kr

This is the departure hall on the third floor (left) and an outdoor garden completed under the Phase 4 expansion of Incheon International Airport. (Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport)