74.07 Million Passengers: Incheon Airport Marks Strongest Year Since Opening

Incheon International Airport Corporation announced that passenger traffic at Seoul Incheon International Airport reached an all-time high last year, marking a full recovery from the COVID-19 downturn and opening a new chapter for the travel and outdoor advertising industries.

According to the airport operator, total passenger numbers in 2025 reached 74.07 million, the highest figure since the airport opened in 2001. This represents a 4.1 percent increase compared with the previous record of 71.17 million passengers set in 2019, before the pandemic disrupted global aviation. The result confirms that Incheon has not only recovered but moved beyond its pre-pandemic performance.

Aviation Industry analysts point to several overlapping factors behind the surge. Long holiday periods, including extended Lunar New Year and Chuseok breaks, boosted outbound travel by Koreans. At the same time, the recovery of inbound tourism gathered pace, supported by temporary visa-free entry for Chinese group tourists and the continued global popularity of Korean pop music and television dramas.

The rebound of China-related travel was particularly notable. Passenger numbers on China routes totaled 12.36 million last year, up 22.6 percent from the previous year, making China the fastest-growing regional market for Incheon. Korea introduced a temporary visa waiver for Chinese group tourists in September last year, following China’s earlier decision in November to ease entry requirements for Korean travelers. Japan routes also continued to grow steadily, with passenger numbers rising 4.7 percent year-on-year to 18.58 million.

For the outdoor advertising sector, the record-breaking traffic has direct implications. Airports are among the most premium out-of-home environments, combining high dwell time, affluent audiences, and strong international reach. The return of Chinese and Japanese travelers, in particular, strengthens the value of airport media for global brands seeking cross-border exposure in Asia.

As passenger volumes rise, demand is also increasing for digital out-of-home formats that can deliver dynamic, multilingual messaging tailored to different traveler segments. Incheon Airport, long regarded as a benchmark for smart airport infrastructure, is expected to further integrate data-driven DOOH solutions across terminals, lounges, and transit corridors.

The latest figures suggest that Incheon is entering a new growth cycle, not only as a transportation hub but also as a strategic media platform. For advertisers, the message is clear: the airport is once again a frontline channel where global mobility, culture, and brand communication intersect at scale.