Struggling holiday crowds at Gimhae International Airport due to inadequate staffing
Hordes of travelers endure hours-long lines as they bid farewell at Gimhae International Airport on Feb 7. [NEWS1]
Crowds of travelers queued patiently at Gimhae International Airport ahead of the Lunar New Year holidays on Jan 26. [JOONGANG PHOTO]
The rush hour at the departure hall of Gimhae International Airport is a bustling spectacle, primarily caused by high passenger volumes and staffing shortages. During popular holidays like the Lunar New Year, the airport witnesses an influx of international passengers, leading to crammed security queues. For instance, during the 2025 Lunar New Year, the number of international passengers was remarkably high, with security queues extending up to an staggering 160 meters and wait times reaching as long as three hours[1].
Despite discussions about expanding the workforce following the holiday in January 2025, no additional personnel were hired at that time. With a total of 416 employees, including security staff, at Gimhae International Airport — a number similar to what it was during previous major holidays[1] — the inadequate reinforcement of staff contributes to the inefficiencies and delays seen during peak travel seasons.
- The management at Gimhae International Airport is urged to consider increasing its workforce in response to the high volume of international travelers during major holidays, such as the Lunar New Year, given that the delays and long queues witnessed during such times significantly impact travelers' lifestyles and general-news.
- When traveling during peak seasons like the Lunad New Year, it's advisable for passengers to arrive well in advance at Gimhae International Airport, as the economy and business sectors are heavily influenced by international travel, and delays can impact personal and financial plans.
- In the realm of international finance, the increasing numbers of travelers to and from Gimhae International Airport could potentially stimulate the local economy, given that travel and tourism are integral elements of many countries' economies.
- As Gimhae International Airport continues to face staffing shortages during popular holidays, it's expected that travelers will have to continue waiting in long security queues and endure hours-long lines, as demonstrated during the Lunar New Year holiday in January 2025.
- The airport expansion proposals aimed at addressing the issue of long security queues and wait times during peak travel seasons are crucial for maintaining the smooth operation of the airport, ensuring a pleasant travel experience for passengers, and fostering a bustling business environment at Gimhae International Airport.
- Online discussions about travelers' experiences at Gimhae International Airport have triggered debates about the airport's preparedness during popular holidays like the Lunar New Year, emphasizing the need for adequate staffing and infrastructure to accommodate growing international passenger volumes.
