Gimhae Airport, Korea expands operations at second departure hall

Gimhae Airport (Photo courtesy of haps Magazine Korea)

After months of delay due to staffing shortages, Gimhae International Airport’s long-awaited Terminal 2 Departure Hall officially began partial operations starting December 12, easing congestion during the airport’s busiest hours.

The Korea Airports Corporation announced that the new facility will operate daily from 5:40 a.m. to 10 a.m., targeting the early morning rush when international flight traffic peaks.

Located in the recently expanded D Zone, the 656-square-meter hall includes two identity and security screening lanes, one customs booth, and two manned and unmanned immigration counters, designed to streamline outbound passenger flow.

Although the facility was completed in October, it remained closed due to a shortage of security staff and other essential personnel. It was temporarily opened during the APEC Summit period and for occasional high-traffic mornings.

Congestion at Gimhae Airport’s main departure area worsened. With 9 million international passengers recorded last year and 9.77 million travelers already counted by December 10, total international traffic for 2024 is expected to surpass 10 million, setting a new record.

The increase in winter travel has also led to longer security screening times, making the early opening of the second departure hall a welcome relief for travelers heading abroad from Korea’s southern gateway.

Fleet Chinhae