Incheon airport strengthens security for APEC events
Travelers line up at Incheon International Airport, Jan. 28. Newsis
Incheon International Airport Corp. (IIAC) has tightened its security alert level and intensified airport operations in an effort to ensure the safe and smooth hosting of the 2025 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, the airport operator said Tuesday.
The measure reflects Korea’s heightened readiness ahead, during and after this year’s most significant international event, scheduled for this week in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province.
The airport operator said its aviation security level has been raised to the third tier out of a five-level security system, up one tier from its previous status.
Under the upgraded level, effective through Nov. 1, security screening will be more rigorous.
Passenger boarding times will take longer due to expanded pat-downs and random bag inspections.
New X-ray screening requirements will lead to women having to remove shoes with heels higher than 3.5 centimeters, due to potential safety threats.
To minimize inconvenience from the heightened alert, IIAC said more security personnel have been deployed, with operating hours extended.
Comprehensive onsite inspections will be conducted jointly with police and government agencies.
The airport will set up an APEC information desk and secure additional aircraft parking stands for high-profile figures.
The number of bus routes to Gyeongju, the APEC host city, will also be increased.
The airport is fully committed to ensuring a seamless experience for all passengers during the APEC events, the airport operator said.
“Incheon International Airport is the gateway of Korea. We are mobilizing the best possible support to help with the successful hosting of the APEC events,” the IIAC said. “The tightened security may cause delays for passengers, but we thank our passengers for understanding that it reinforces Korea’s reputation for safe and efficient protocol observation during major global high-profile events.”