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Incheon International Airport

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Airplanes at Incheon

Incheon International Airport (IIA) (IATA: ICN, ICAO: RKSI) (Korean: 인천국제공항 Hanja: 仁川國際空港) is the largest airport in South Korea, and one of the largest in Asia.

Incheon International Airport is the hub for Korean Air and Asiana Airlines. The airport opened for business in early 2001, replacing the international function of the old Gimpo Airport (formerly Kimpo International Airport). Gimpo Airport now serves only domestic destinations, except flights to Haneda Airport in Tokyo.

The airport serves as a hub for international civilian air transportation and cargo traffic in East Asia. Security facilities are state-of-the-art and medical inspection equipment is also very advanced, in response to terrorist threats and various epidemics in southern Asia. As a result, Incheon International Airport is considered Asia's most technologically facilitated airport. It was recently voted the world's best airport in service and quality by the IATA.

Incheon International Airport is also currently Asia's sixth busiest airport, behind Tokyo International Airport (also known as Haneda Airport, Tokyo), Hong Kong International Airport (Hong Kong), Bangkok International Airport (Bangkok), Singapore Changi Airport (Singapore), and Narita Airport (near Tokyo).

Overview

Incheon International Airport is located west of Seoul, on Yeongjong Island in the Yellow Sea. (Yeongjong Island is part of the City of Incheon.) It is connected to the mainland by Freeway 130, a part of which is Yeongjong Bridge, and is served by frequent bus service from all parts of South Korea as well as by ferry service from Incheon and other nearby ports. Airport limousines operate around the clock from Seoul to Incheon, and several backup highway buses escort people from places within and outside Seoul.

In addition, a highway between Incheon and Gimpo Airport was recently completed, connecting domestic flight service with international air traffic, an advantage that makes it far easier to travel from southern Korean regions to Incheon, and then to airports all over the globe. The Incheon International Airport Railroad link to Gimpo Airport (and Seoul Subway Line 5) is due to be completed in March 2007, with a further extension to Seoul Station by January 2010.

The airport was awarded the "Best in Service Award in Class" at the 1st International Conference on Airport Quality and Service by the IATA and the ACI, and ranked second in "Best Airport Worldwide", behind Hong Kong International Airport, and ahead of Singapore International Airport.

History

Timeline

  • February 1992: Master Plan Approved
  • November 1992: Phase I Construction and Site Preparation Initiated.
  • July 1994: North and South Dikes completed.
  • March 1996: Formally named Incheon International Airport.
  • May 1996: Passenger Terminal Construction Initiated.
  • December 1996: Runway Construction Initiated.
  • June 30, 2000: Construction of basic components completed.
  • July 2000: Test Operations begins.
  • November 2000: Opening date announced.
  • March 29, 2001: Airport Officially Opened.
  • 2002: Phase II Construction Started.

Construction Stages

The airport was originally planned to be built in three phases, incrementally increasing airport capacity as the demand grew. This was changed, however, to four phases sometime after the airport was opened.

Phase 1

This is the first (and current stage) the airport is in. It has a capacity of 30 million passengers per year, and a cargo capacity of 1.7 million metric tonnes yearly. In this phase, a passenger terminal with a floor space of 496,000 square meters, two parallel runways, a control tower, an administrative building, a transportation center, and integrated operations center, three cargo terminals, international business center, and a government office building were constructed.

Phase 2

Phase 2 construction began in the 2002 and is expected to be complete by July 2008- 6 months ahead of schedule. This early schedule is a result of keeping in mind of the optimized effect from 2008 Beijing Olympics which will be operated just one month later, in August 2008. It will add a third parallel runway that will be the same length as the other 2 runways in operation, a 16.5 hectare concourse which will be connected to the main passenger building via two parallel 870m long underground passageways, and a 13 hectare cargo terminal area. At this stage, the airport is expected to have an annual capacity of 410,000 flights, 44,000,000 passengers, and a cargo processing capacity of nearly 4,500,000 metric tonnes. In addition, there will be numerous equpment upgrades during this phase, which includes the newer and better ASDE-X with MRI(Multi Radar Tracking) function, ADS-B (Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast) system with the RIMCAS (Runway Incursion Monitoring and Conflict Alert System) function. Installing 4 additional sets of ASDE-X antennas are currently being planned to reduce blind spots brought by heavy rainfall and in preparation of the new runway.

Phase 3

During the construction of phase three, the airport will add 2 additional passenger concourses, and a south east passenger terminal.

Phase 4

Estimated to be complete in 2020, the airport will have 4 parallel runways, 4 satellite concourses, and 128 gates. It will be able to handle 100 million passengers and 7 million metric tonnes of cargo annually, with further possible expansions.

Operation Facilities and Infrastructures

Passenger Terminal

The main passenger terminal is the largest in area in South Korea, measuring at 496,000 square meters. It is 1060 meters long, 149 meters wide, and 33 meters high. Its construction cost was 1.3816 trillion South Korean Wons. It was built using the best technology available to Korea to create an efficient working place for the Airlines and the members of the Airport as well as providing convenient facilities to passengers to give a "warm and cozy feeling", especially to those traveling long trips. The terminal has 44 boarding ports, 50 customs inspection port, 2 biological quarantine counters, 6 stationary and 14 portable passenger quarantine counters, 120 arrival passport inspection counters, 8 arrival security ports, 28 departure security ports, 252 check in counters, and 120 departure passport inspection counters. When phase 2 construction is complete, the satellite boarding docks (concourses) will be connected to the main terminal using two parallel 870 meter long underground passageways equippped with IATs (Intra Airport Transit). Transit to the IBC (International Business Center) will be provided using the PMS (People Mover System).

Cargo Terminal

Three cargo terminals compromises the Cargo Terminal Complex. Each terminal is designed to provide each carrier with unique services, and a cargo warehouse (approximately 3,500 square meters). The terminal is divided into three different parts, one of import, passing and export in order to increase efficiency. The cargo terminal can operate nonstop 24 hours a day, and has been specially designed so that it can be expanded in the future. Like the passenger terminal, the cargo terminal is constructed using state of the art technologies. As a result, individual information, tracking information, storage information, etc can be displayed in real time.

Control Tower

Located at the center of the airport, the 22 story Control Tower is 100.4 meters tall and is illuminated 24 hours a day. On its highest floor is located a parabolic antenna that is used by the Airport Surface Detection Equipment (ASDE) to detect all airplanes and obstacles within 5 km of the tower. The upper floors are used by ground and tower controllers while the lower floors are mostly for support operations. The control tower has a total area of 179 squared meters making it the 3rd largest in the world as of 2001.

Runways

At Incheon International Airport, there are two parallel paved asphalt runways, 33L/15R and 33R/15L. Each runway is 3,750 meters long, 60 meters wide, and 1.05 meters thick. Currently, runway 33L/15R is used mostly for departures while runway 33R/15L is used mostly for arrivals. This is especially evident from the amount of rubber present on each runway; runway 33R/15L has more rubber on it due to the constant landings. A third parallel runway is currently under construction as part of phase II construction. It is expected to be completed by July 2008. Once this runway opens, landing and takeoffs of most passenger flights will be done on the new runway and the existing runway 33L/15R while runway 33R/15L will be done mostly for cargo flights due to its proximity with the cargo terminals. Once Phase 4 construction is complete, the airport will have 4 parallel runways. Currently, all runways are equipped with ILS CAT IIIb at both sides allowing for operation in visibility conditions as low as 50 meters. As of the date of upgrade, Incheon International Airport was the only airport in Asia to have full ILS CAT IIIb capability. The runway lightings at Incheon International Airport (as well as the taxi lights) are tied into special computers at the control tower. As a result, the Air Traffic Controllers can easily provide progressive taxiing to an aircraft by setting the computer to manipulate the taxi and runway lights so that it will lead them to their designated gate or parking stand.

Baggage Handling System

The baggage handling system at Incheon International Airport was designed to initially process 31,000 pieces of luggage per hour, increasing as the airport matured and further expansions were carried out. It utilizes a central computer controlled automatic tilt-tray system that automatically sorts baggage and routes them to their correct destinations by reading the barcode labels as the baggage travel through the system. By design, the average design processing times are 5 minutes for arrival, 15 minutes for departure, and 10 minutes for baggage transfer between planes. The system is completely automatic unless one of the bar codes could not be read by the barcode reader. In that case, the baggage with the unreadable barcode tag is automatically routed to a facility where airport employees read the barcode and have the baggage routed to their correct destination manually. Upon opening of the airport, the system was found to have flaws with its automatic operation and the facility had to be operated on semi automatic mode. The flaws have since been corrected and removed.

  • Instrument Landing System: The airport was originally certified for ILS CAT-IIIa operation, but it was upgraded to CAT-IIIb in December 2003 following the recommendation of ICAO in order to reduce flight diversions and cancellations during low visibility conditions. As a result, Incheon International Airport is currently the only airport in Asia to have ILS Cat-IIIb, allowing for operation in visibility conditions as low as 50 meters. Unlike some airports where different runways may have different categories of Instrumental Landing Systems, all runways at Incheon International Airport has the CAT-IIIb ILS.
  • Airport Surveillance Radar(ASR/MSSR): Three different radar sites are used for detecting airplanes near Incheon International Airport. They are located at Wangsan, Shinbuldo, and Gimpo International airport. Each facility has both ASR (Airport Surveillance Radar) and SSR (Secondary Serveillance Radar). Information from all three radar sites are multi-tracked (MRT) using the ARTS and dispalyed to the controller.
  • Airport Surface Detection Equipment (ASDE): Also known as Ground Radar, it scans the ground within 5 km of the control tower. The antenna is located 100.4 meters above ground level on the top floor of the control tower. It is a facility that is required for CAT-III operation of the airport, and uses sophisticated algorithms to automatically assign flight numbers and other information to aircraft within range. It also detects maintenance vehicles as well as various obstacles that my interfere with the operation of aircraft. During the phase II construction of the airport, the ASDE which operates on the Ku-band will be replaced with the ASDE-X to ensure a perfect ground system for CAT-IIIb operation.
  • Advanced Surface Movement Guidance and Control System (A-SMGCS): This system is tied into the ALS (Airport Lighting System) and was designed to work together. It provides surface movement surveillance, surface movement guidance, and route planning. Its most important feature is its ability to relay taxiing instructions to the pilot. By changing the blinking sequence or the intensity of taxi lights, it can safely guide pilots to their gates or the runway. Because it is computer controlled, it significantly reduces the workload of ground traffic controllers as well as provide an efficient and safe traffic flow.
  • PDC/D-ATIS: Incheon International Airport is equipped with a PDC (Pre Departure Clearance) system and a D-ATIS (Digital Airport Terminal Information System). The PDC system allows specially equipped airplanes to receive IFR clearances without the need to contact the Air Traffic Controllers. It is simply stored in a system that can be accessed by the pilots using specialized devices. the D-ATIS automatically generates ATIS information and also provides the ability to send the same information to the pilots using digital texts. These two devices were installed to reduce work load on the air traffic controllers as well as reduce the chances of misunderstandings.
  • Communications Navigation Surveillance (CNS/ATM): A high tech satellite is used to provide digital communication, navigation, and surveillance information. The communication and navigation system is available for use to pilots on aircraft that have specially equipped devices. This satellite is also used by the Air Traffic Controllers for Air Traffic Management (ATM) purposes.

Meteorological Facilities

The Meteorological System at Incheon International Airport consists of a Automatic Weather Observation System (AWOS), Low level Wind shear Alert System (LWAS), Terminal Doppler Weather Radar (TDWR), Long Range Doppler Radar, Weather Station Headquarter, and a Weather Balloon Launching facility.

  • Automated Weather Observation System (AWOS): This system observes basic weather conditions and has instruments for detecting wind direction, wind speed, and visibility as well as other instruments such as the ceilometers. Information obtained through this system is directly used by the air traffic controller.
  • Low level Wind shear Alert System (LWAS): This system is capable of detecting and/or predicting wind shears occurring at low altitudes. It can also predict wind conditions and storm developments at low altitudes in the immediate area.
  • Terminal Doppler Weather Radar (TDWR): This Doppler radar is used for directly providing visual information to the air traffic controllers in the control tower. It was designed to sense wind strength, wind speed, precipitation rate, precipitation type, lightning occurrence, lightning frequency, wind gusts, and wind gust strength within 90 kilometers of the airport.
  • Weather Station Headquarters: This is part of the Korea Meteorological Administration and is used to observe the weather in the area and predict future conditions. Information gathered from this facility is shared world wide and is used to aide aviation. Weather experts work 24 hours a day in this building.
  • Weather Balloon Launch Facility: This facility launches remote controlled sound wave weather balloons to continuously observe weather conditions around the airport and transmits the information directly to navigational personnel and the air traffic controller.
  • Long Range Doppler Weather Radar: Located at the Weather Station Headquarters, it operates 24 hours a day to observe weather conditions within 480km of the airport and provide it to the weather experts at the Weather Station HQ, where the information is analyzed and recorded for use by air navigation personnel. The information is also used by the Korea Metrological Administration to provide weather prediction for civilians.

Emergency Response

Airport Security Task Force

The Airport Security Task Force is in charge of patrolling the airport perimeter, passenger terminal, transportation center, auxiliary facilities and free economic zones. They are trained to deal with a wide variety of conditions and situations. As a response to on going terrorist threats and various epidemics in the region, they are equipped with the latest gears and specially trained to deal with situations involving terrorists or epidemic control. The security task force consists of police officers from the Cheongwon Police Department. Only the specially trained officers are allowed onto the task force and they are on duty 24 hours a day over three different shifts. The facilities related to the Airport Security Task Force are the Airport Security Force Headquarters (Guardhouse), Airport Security Force Branch Office, and the Weapons armory.

  • Airport Security Force Headquarters (Guardhouse): The Airport Security Force Headquarters provides the Airport Security Task Force with training, resting, and various recreation. It is also used for administration. The building has a wide variety of options for training, and even includes a swimming pool.
  • Airport Security Force Branch Office: The function of this building is very similar to the Airport Security Force Headquarters. One of the major difference is that it is located very close to the control tower, allowing for the deployment of forces anywhere on the airfield within 1 to 2 minutes under ideal conditions. This facility was built to enhance security and efficiency.
  • Armory: Located at an undisclosed confidential location, this heavily guarded facility contains automatic firearms and ammunitions as well as various other tactical gear for emergency situations.

Fire Department

This facility is responsible for all emergency situations relating to fire and search and rescue missions. The firefighters are specially trained for dealing with jet fires as well as conducting search and rescue missions on burning planes. They are also trained to be able to respond to natural disasters. There are two fire departments at Incheon International Airport. One is located near the north side of runway 15L/33R and the other is located at the south side of runway 15R/33L near the passenger terminal. Together, they are capable of responding to incidents on the runway usually within 2 minutes, 3 minutes max under ideal conditions.

  • Fire Station Headquarters: The Fire Station HQ is located near runway 15L/33R on the west side of the eastern administrative area. They are responsible for extinguishing fire and conducting search and rescue missions on the runways and airport facilities near the eastern administrative area. The Fire Station Headquarters is composed of vehicle, equipment maintenance/storage facilities, office buildings, convenience facilities and welfare facilities.
  • Fire Station Branch Office: Located about 500 meters south east of passenger terminal 1 and 650 meters south of runway 15R/33L, its functions are similar to that of the Fire Station Headquarters. The only differences are that this facility is in charge of conducting fire extinguishing, searching, and rescue missions occurring within the passenger terminal and facilities around it. It is also capable of responding to incidents on the runway.

Awards, Certifications, and Ratings

  • In 1998, Incheon international airport received ISO certifications in airport construction and airport services.
  • From 2002, Incheon International Airport won for three consecutive years, the Best Airport Award according to IATA and ACI.
  • In 2002, Inchoen International Airport was rated second in the Best Airport Worldwide category according to IATA and ACI.
  • Incheon International Airport Corporation became the first in the world to recieve ISO certification in airport services.
  • In 2005, Incheon International Airport won the Best Airport Worldwide 2005 award from AETRA Service Monitoring which was jointly conducted by IATA and ACI.
  • In 2006, Incheon International Airport recieved the ATRS' Top Asia-Pacific Efficiency Award after achieving a residual variable factor productivity efficiency value that was 57% higher than the average of those in the region.
  • In 2006, Incheon International Airport was awarded as the world's best airport bsaed on a passenger survey conducted by the IATA.
  • Incheon International Airport received an ISO certification in the environmental category.
  • Incheon International Airport was awarded the "Best in Service Award in Class" at the 1st International Conference on Airport Quality and Service by the IATA and the ACI.
  • Incheon International Airport ranked second in "Best Airport Worldwide", behind Hong Kong International Airport, and ahead of Singapore International Airport.

Air Traffic Control Frequencies

ATIS 128.2 MHz, 128.4 MHz, 230.25 MHz
Clearance Delivery 121.0 MHz, 121.625 MHz, 269.2 MHz
Ramp 121.65 MHz, 121.875 MHz, 121.8 MHz, 269.1 MHz
Ground 121.4 MHz, 121.775 MHz, 226.9 MHz
Tower 118.2 MHz, 118.8 MHz, 231.8 MHz
Seoul Departure 121.35 MHz, 123.25 MHz, 125.15 MHz, 321.2 MHz
Seoul Approach 119.1 MHz, 119.75 MHz, 120.8 MHz, 305.7 MHz, 363.8 MHz

Accidents and Incidents

Accidents and Incidents at the Airport

No serious fatal accidents or incidents has been recorded to date.

Accidents and Incidents Involving the Airport

  • On September 11, 2001, a Korean Air Flight 85, bound for John F. Kennedy International Airport was diverted and escorted by military fighter jets to Whitehorse International Airport after a transponder malfunctioned and caused ground facilities to think that the aircraft had been hijacked. Although the plane was low on fuel, it turned out that the plane had not been hijacked. The diversion occurred during Operation Yellow Ribbon.
  • On December 17, 2005 a GE90-94B failed on an Air France Boeing 777 flying from Incheon International Airport to Charles de Gaulle International Airport resulting in an unscheduled landing in Irkutsk, Siberia.

Current Airlines

Passenger

Cargo

Past Airlines

Passenger

Cargo

No existing cargo operator has currently suspended their operation at Incheon International Airport.

Future Airlines

Passenger

Ground Transportation

Bus

Seoul

  • 600: Jamsil
  • 601: Seoul Station
  • 602: Cheongnyangni
  • 602-1: Donamdong,
  • 603: Seoul University
  • 604: GeumChon District Office
  • 604-1: Gwangmyeong Express Bus Terminal
  • 605: Seoul City Hall
  • 605-1: Myeongdong
  • 606: Cheonhodong
  • 607: SongJeong Station
  • 608: Yeongdeungpo Station
  • 609: Garak Market
  • Dobong
  • Gangnam
  • Gangnam Express Bus Terminal
  • Gimpo Airport
  • Hannamdong
  • Jamsil
  • Namsan
  • Nowon
  • Seoul City Hall
  • Seoul Station
  • Trade Center Bus Terminal

Incheon

  • 111: To Songdo Resort
  • 112: To DongIncheon Station
  • 203: To Yeongjong Port.
  • 222: To Jamjindo
  • 223: To Airport City
  • 301: To Yeongdeungpo Station
  • 302: To Songnae Station
  • 306: To Incheon Station
  • No Number bus line to Songdo (Yeonsu District Office).

Gyeonggi-do

  • 3300: Ilsan
  • AnSung
  • YongIn
  • IChun
  • JukJun
  • YeoSu
  • SungNam
  • AnSan
  • Uijeongbu
  • Namyangju
  • Suwon
  • Anyang

Others (Express Busses)

  • Daegu
  • Daejeon
  • OnYang
  • WunJu
  • ChungJu
  • TaeAn
  • GuangJu
  • JeonJu
  • ChoongJu
  • PoHang
  • Ulsan
  • Busan

Airport Circulation

  • Cargo Terminal: Free bus service between the passenger terminal and the cargo terminal. Operates every 8 minutes during peak time, every 20 minutes during off peak time.
  • Long Term Parking Lot: Free bus service between the passenger terminal and the long term parking lot. Usually operates every 30 minutes except for peak times when it operates every 15 minutes.

Rail

The Incheon International Airport Railroad (A'REX), is currently under construction. It will connect Incheon International Airport to Gimpo Airport by March 2007, to Seoul and Yongsan Stations by January 2010. The station will be located in the Transportation Center.

Car

The airport provides a short term parking lot for 4000 cars and a long term parking lot for 6000 cars. When utilizing the long term parking lot, shuttle service to the passenger terminal and the cargo terminal is available. When using the short term parking lot, moving walkways are available to the passenger terminal. Car rental is located nearby the long term parking lot. Link to the main land is provided by the Yeongjong Bridge and a expressway. Tolls are collected at the bridge.

Taxi

Taxis will normally occupy the area designated as taxi stands outside the arrival floor. The taxis will vary in color, but will mostly be white. They can be easily recognized by their special blue or green plastic cab marking on the roof. There are Special taxis in black color and are more expensive than normal taxis. These are the deluxe cabs. Differences between the normal taxi is usually limited to better cars, seats, and equipments such as GPS positioning devices and traffic situation indicators. Most taxi drivers operating at the airport can speak English, but in most cases, not fluently and will be difficult to understand. As a result, some taxi companies offer free translation via cell phone (provided by the taxi driver, to be returned after call is complete), but in most cases, the taxi drivers will not allow this service as the companies force the taxi drivers to pay for the minutes. It is recommended to have your destination written down on a piece of paper before entering a taxi. Be advised, in most cases, the passenger will be expected to pay for the tolls in addition to the taxi fare. Tips are not necessary.

Ferry

A ferry service from Yeongjong-do to Incheon is available. However, the ferry dock is located considerable distance from the airport and an alternative transport means must be seeked upon arriving at the island to be able to get to the airport.

See also

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