Incheon Airport moves to evict homeless people, advocates push back

Incheon Airport in South Korea has begun ordering people experiencing homelessness to leave its passenger terminals, a move that has sparked criticism from homeless rights advocates. The airport operator, Incheon International Airport Corp., reportedly began posting eviction notices on July 30, instructing individuals to "immediately stop sleeping rough and leave the passenger terminal." The notices also warned of potential fines, detention, or other penalties under the Airport Facilities Act for non-compliance.

It remains unclear how many people received the notices or are currently staying at the airport. Previous media reports indicated over 200 people were seeking shelter there during an ongoing heatwave, a significant increase from earlier figures. Homeless Action, an advocacy group, stated that some individuals pressured by the eviction order have received emergency housing assistance through their organization, though a specific number was not provided.

The airport's action comes after increased media scrutiny of homelessness at the facility, including passenger complaints about hygiene and disruptive behavior. Joo Jang-wook, a senior activist with Homeless Action, urged both the airport operator and Incheon city authorities to address the needs of vulnerable people rather than resorting to evictions. "Incheon International Airport Corp. should halt the hastily implemented eviction measure and fulfill its responsibilities as a public institution," Joo told local media. "Incheon City, which has effectively neglected establishing a support system for people experiencing street homelessness, should also begin building such a system."

According to city data, 136 people were living on the streets as of December 2025, a number that has remained relatively stable since 2013. The city had adopted an ordinance aimed at supporting the welfare and self-reliance of people experiencing homelessness.

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Incheon International Airport Corp. should halt the hastily implemented eviction measure and fulfill its responsibilities as a public institution. Incheon City, which has effectively neglected establishing a support system for people experiencing street homelessness, should also begin building such a system.