World's second best airport serves 39 million passengers in first half

By Trong Vu August 12, 2026 | 08:02 pm PT

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South Korea's Incheon International Airport, the world's second-best behind Singapore's Changi in the 2026 Skytrax World Airport Awards, handled 38.39 million international passengers in the first half of this year, up 6.3% year-on-year.

The figure put Incheon ahead of London Heathrow Airport, which handled 37.79 million passengers, and Singapore Changi Airport, which recorded 34.53 million, according to international passenger traffic data compiled by Airports Council International.

Incheon's rise to the top underscores its growing role as a global aviation hub and highlights the impact of South Korea's long-term policy of developing the airport as a gateway to Northeast Asia, The Korea Times reported.

The airport ranked 10th globally in terms of international passenger traffic shortly after opening in 2001, climbed to fifth in 2018 and reached third in 2024 before taking the top spot this year.

Passengers at Incheon International Airport, South Korea. Photo by AFP

Incheon's rise has come as inbound tourism to South Korea surged, led largely by visitors from China and Japan.

The airport has also received more passengers as airlines avoided flying through Middle Eastern hubs amid conflict between the U.S. and Iran, The Korea Herald reported.

Foreigners accounted for 44.4% of Incheon's total passenger traffic in the second quarter, a record high and up from 39.5% a year earlier.

Built on reclaimed land between Yeongjong and Yongyu islands, the 5,400-hectare airport is one of the world's largest and busiest aviation hubs, featuring four runways, two main passenger terminals and extensive logistics and support facilities.

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