Korea Airports Corporation (KAC) has effectively expressed support for the government's push to merge airport operators, citing public benefit as the key consideration. The stance sharply contrasts with Incheon International Airport Corporation's (IIAC) strong opposition, signaling an intensifying conflict between the two state-run entities.
A senior KAC official, speaking to reporters on condition that the remarks reflected a personal view, said on the 24th, "The merger should be decided based on an objective assessment of whether it benefits the public's daily life and what serves national development." The official added, "This is not a matter to be judged solely on organizational or regional interests."
According to the government and aviation industry sources, a plan to consolidate IIAC, KAC, and the Gadeokdo New Airport Construction Authority into a single entity is under review. The initiative aims to unify airport management to reduce overlapping functions while simultaneously securing funding for the new Gadeokdo airport and revitalizing regional airports. IIAC has opposed the move, while KAC has directly and indirectly expressed support.
IIAC's opposition extends beyond the corporation itself. Former IIAC President Lee Hak-jae, who recently stepped down, the corporation's labor union, and politicians who have declared candidacies for Incheon mayor in the June 3 nationwide local elections have all strongly opposed the merger. In contrast, KAC's labor union issued a statement on the 18th in favor, saying, "A policy shift is needed for balanced regional development and to enhance public aviation convenience."
A KAC official said, "It is not wrong for IIAC's union to advocate for its organizational interests," but added, "What matters is making a rational judgment on what is more beneficial for the entire nation and its people."The official also expressed understanding toward regional politicians weighing the pros and cons from their perspectives.
KAC expects that profitability would improve if regional hub airports operate more international routes than they currently do. The official argued, "Expanding international routes at regional airports is necessary to usher in an era of 30 million inbound tourists."
Others pointed to greater convenience for regional residents. With international flights concentrated at Incheon airport, travelers in provincial areas often face significant inconvenience, such as having to travel the day before their departure. Another KAC official argued, "If international routes to destinations like Türkiye or Indonesia were available from Busan while maintaining Incheon's hub status, it would save time and money for the public."
KAC said it has compiled and submitted its views on the merger of its subsidiaries to the government, but noted that broader discussions on consolidating airport operations have not yet been actively pursued. A KAC official repeatedly emphasized, "If merger discussions begin in earnest, we will review them from the perspective of enhancing public benefit."