Dozens rush Incheon Airport check-in counters in 'group queue-jumping' chaos

A chaotic scene unfolded at Incheon International Airport on July 2 when dozens of passengers, identified as Chinese, surged towards check-in counters. The group disregarded control lines immediately after they opened, pushing forward with their luggage. This rush caused minor injuries, including bruises and abrasions, to airport staff attempting to guide the flow of travelers.

The incident, captured on video and circulated on social media, initially led some viewers to question its authenticity due to its intensity. However, airport authorities confirmed that similar group queue-jumping incidents have occurred five times this month.

Officials attribute the surge to a significant increase in passenger demand on routes between Incheon and China. This rise is partly due to aircraft on these routes being upgraded to larger models, increasing seating capacity by approximately 100 seats per flight. The heightened competition for boarding has apparently led some passengers, including Chinese traders, to resort to queue-jumping to secure their spots.

In response, Incheon International Airport Corporation is implementing preventative measures. These include regular safety checks and the consideration of installing plastic dividers between barrier poles to better manage crowds. The airport authority stated it is working closely with airlines to swiftly enact these preventative measures and prevent recurrence.

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We will swiftly implement preventative measures in close cooperation with airlines.