In the moment of crisis, our bodies feel nervous and shrink.
This is a natural process to respond quickly to threats and keep them safe. The airport’s effort to respond to the COVID-19 crisis is no exception.
△ Termination of Terminal 3 of Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris
△ Termination of Terminal 2 of Singapore Changi Airport
△ Termination of Terminal 3 and 4 of London Heathrow
△Termination of Terminal 2 of Abudabi Airport
Currently, as major airports around the world are operating with reduced airport functions in response to the spread of COVID-19, Incheon International Airport has recently started an emergency operation system as part of its response to the COVID-19 crisis.
Let’s take a closer look at what kind of measures Incheon Airport is taking to overcome this crisis!
Incheon Airport started 'Phase 1 of emergency operation’
Incheon International Airport has established a three-phase emergency operation plan since it declared an emergency management system on March 26 to effectively cope with the decrease in passengers caused by COVID-19.
As the number of airport passengers decreased due to the influence of COVID-19, the phase 1 of emergency operation was recently carried out under the ‘reduction of functions of airport’s basic facilities.’ Accordingly, major airport facilities such as departure hall, check-in counters, parking ramps, baggage handling facilities, and shuttle trains have started the ‘partial operation.’
Coming up with follow-up measures to the partial operation of the airport!
“If airport operations are reduced, doesn’t it increase passenger inconvenience?”
No, the airport is trying to minimize passenger inconvenience by coming up with follow-up measures such as strengthening passenger guidance based on partial operation.
Meanwhile, by investing related manpower and resources in improving old facilities, expanding safety inspections, and strengthening professional education, Incheon Airport is actively utilizing the current COVID-19 crisis as an opportunity for the future, not a stagnant period.
All-round support to the airport industry ecosystem
Incheon Airport also thoroughly inspects and implements all-round support measures to secure competitiveness in the airport industry ecosystem.
The rent of airport commercial facilities such as duty-free shops, food and beverage stores, and transportation operators, as well as private business operators such as in-flight meals and hotels will be reduced by 20 percent to 50 percent for up to six months.
In particular, Incheon International Airport is making efforts for co-existence by drastically expanding the standard of rent reduction from 25 percent to 50 percent for small and medium-sized businesses and small business owners. In addition, mid-sized and large businesses that are shaken by the aftermath of COVID-19 receive 20% reduction as new subjects of rent reduction.
In addition, airline stopping fees will be 100% exempted for 3 months, and landing fees will be reduced by 20% for 2 months. In the case of ground operators, the range of reduction of the mooring fee will be expanded from 20% for the previous 3 months to 100% exemption for 3 months, and the rent for refueling facilities will be reduced by 20% for 6 months.
In addition, Incheon Airport has expanded the amount of reduction in usage fees from 25.4 billion won to 181 billion won, which is the largest ever, and suspended payment of 398 billion won of usage fees of airlines and commercial facilities for three to six months to provide liquidity to businesses suffering from cash flow problems.
Although the ecosystem of the Korean airport industry, including Incheon International Airport, has faced an unprecedented crisis, as the gateway to the Republic of Korea and the forefront of national quarantine, Incheon International Airport will wisely overcome the crisis caused by COVID-19 through emergency airport operation.
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