Incheon airport seeks fast track for priority passengers

The fast track for the disabled and the elderly at Terminal 1 of Incheon International Airport / Yonhap

Transport ministry opposes move, citing negative public sentiment

By Jung Min-ho

Getting stuck in a long line at the security check point is a huge stress for any traveler. But wealthy travelers may soon be able to avoid this inconvenience at Incheon International Airport.

According to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Monday, it is contemplating whether to allow first- and business-class passengers to use an exclusive track for faster and more convenient security screening at the airport.

At a recent meeting, the Incheon International Airport Corp. (IIAC) and local airline companies urged ministry officials to introduce the system.

“Incheon International Airport is one of the very few major airports that does not have such a system,” an IIAC spokesman said. “Even airports in China have it. If you look at the world’s top 20 airports, Incheon is probably the only one that doesn’t.”

The issue came into the spotlight following news about fast-tracking at Incheon’s new terminal, which is set to open next month.

The five-story Terminal 2 has up-to-date facilities, including a fast track. But it is not for first- and business-class passengers ― it is for those with special needs such as the disabled.

Airline companies believe a fast track service for business travelers can make the airport more competitive as it will offer different levels of services for different customers.

“This is one of the important factors in evaluating airport services,” a Korean Air spokesman said. “The airport can appeal more to wealthy customers by adopting the system.”

The IIC and airline companies say the system is also beneficial for economy-class passengers because 5 percent of all passengers will take advantage of the fast track service. “It will save time for everyone,” the IIAC official said.

He also said the IIAC will use additional revenue from its fast track service to improve facilities for all airport users, if the ministry approves.

Since 2007, the IIAC and airline companies have been pushing the issue, but the ministry has been cautious in accepting the idea.

The airport is a public property ― the government used taxpayer money to build it and helps the IIC run it. This is different from airlines that are operated commercially by private firms.

The ministry is mulling over whether it is proper to prioritize certain groups of people over others in providing services.

“We understand the need for change, but we need a social consensus to resolve this issue,” a ministry official said. “It is too risky to adopt the system right away.”

Moving from its previous negative stance, the ministry said it will collect more opinions from customers and industry people before making a decision.