[The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport]
SEOUL, Jan. 18 (Aju News) -- To match its reputation as the world's best airport, Incheon International Airport, South Korea's main gateway west of Seoul, opened its second passenger terminal furnished with artworks, guiding robots, digital screens and other modern facilities for quick safety clearance.
"Incheon International Airport will become the best global hub airport in the world," Chung Il-yung, CEO of Incheon International Airport Corporation said as the main gateway greeted its first airplane into its new passenger terminal on Thursday.
The gargantuan terminal that cost 4.9 trillion won (4.6 billion US dollars) boasts top-of-the-line facilities to simplify and speed up check-in and boarding procedures as operators seek a smart and connected airport.
Airport authorities run it independently from the original terminal, which has been rated the world's best, cleanest, and best international transit airport for 12 consecutive years.
The new terminal features automated machines which speed up check-ins and boarding. A traveler can save up to 20 minutes before boarding a plane by using self-check-in kiosks and self-bag drop machines which automatically register and carry baggage.
Security check procedures were simplified by using the latest technology. A person only has to walk through a circular security gate which detects metals and non-metals. The super-high frequency scanners were set up for the terminal's surveillance system to minimize human intervention and protect privacy at the same time.
An easy guide will be provided through digital screens everywhere, and new premium flat panel screens and TVs for various purposes were placed throughout the terminal.
Also, there are a bunch of artworks, fancy shops, selected restaurants such as the Michelin two-star "Jungsik", capsule hotels, a digital gym for transit passengers and a special lounge for disabled and old people.
With the opening of its new terminal, the airport can handle 72 million visitors and five million tons of freight a year. Operators plan to add a new runway and mooring and expand it by 2023.
The new terminal is home to Korean Air, Delta Air Lines, Air France and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, while the original terminal houses Asiana Airlines, low-cost airlines and other foreign airlines.
reporter
Park Sae-jin
swatchsjp@ajunews.com
