Incheon Airport Considers Barriers After 'Daigou' Queue-Jumping Incidents Injure Staff

South Korea's Incheon Airport is contemplating the installation of additional barriers at check-in areas following a series of incidents involving suspected Chinese traders, known as 'daigou,' who have allegedly pushed past queues, resulting in injuries to airport staff. The issue gained significant attention after a video surfaced online on July 2, depicting dozens of passengers surging towards check-in counters for a flight to China. These passengers bypassed the designated queue, using luggage carts to push past retractable belt barriers in an apparent bid to reach the counters first.

According to Yonhap News Agency, five similar incidents were reported in July alone. The individuals involved are believed to be 'daigou,' who are small-scale traders that purchase discounted duty-free goods in bulk from South Korea for resale in China and other Asian markets. Several airline employees reportedly sustained injuries while attempting to restore order and guide passengers back into the line.

In response, airport authorities are exploring the possibility of installing plastic partitions between existing queue barriers to deter passengers from cutting in line. Staff have also intensified inspections in departure halls to maintain order and ensure the safety of both travelers and employees. The airport cited the use of larger aircraft on major routes between Incheon and China, which added approximately 100 seats per flight, as a contributing factor to the increased congestion. The problem had seen a temporary decrease due to stricter enforcement in China, which reduced the number of daigou traders departing South Korea, but officials remain vigilant, monitoring check-in areas for potential recurrences.