The South Korean government has decided to reconsider operating separate travel routes for celebrities and other high-profile figures at airports, as repeated congestion and safety concerns continue to mount. While the initiative was effectively shelved due to accusations of preferential treatment, authorities say this time the approach will focus on safety management rather than convenience.
According to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport on the 27th, the government is preparing to commission a research project on "Safety Management Measures for Crowd Gatherings During Celebrity Airport Use." The study aims to analyze crowd concentration phenomena during celebrity arrivals and departures and systematically identify accident risk factors.
The research will focus on diagnosing route conflicts, control limitations, and potential safety incidents when large crowds gather. The government plans to establish management standards applicable to airport operating environments and conduct comparative analysis of responses at major overseas airports along with related laws and regulations.
Overseas, separating travel routes for general passengers and celebrities is already common practice. Major airports in the United States and Europe minimize congestion through private terminals or dedicated gates. They reduce the burden on general terminals by applying separate security screening procedures.
Similar attempts were made domestically but collapsed amid controversy. Incheon International Airport Corporation pushed to introduce celebrity-only gates and fast-track services in 2024, but withdrew the plan just before implementation after criticism that it constituted preferential treatment for a specific class. At the time, debates over fairness overshadowed safety issues, halting further discussion.
The government is drawing a clear line that this research does not presuppose the introduction of any specific system. Officials explain they will review various alternatives together, including not only separate gate installation but also enhanced on-site control, staggered travel times, and temporary route operations.
A Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport official explained, "This is research to comprehensively understand how overseas airports manage safety during celebrity movements," adding, "We do not have any specific measure in mind."
Experts point out that airports, as representative large-scale multi-use facilities, require a safety-focused approach. While route separation may appear to be preferential treatment, it could ultimately reduce inconvenience and risk for general passengers.