The proposed increase would mark the first change to the international passenger service charge since 2002, Korea Joongang Daily reported.

The fee for transfer passengers would rise 50%, from 10,000 won to 15,000 won, ChosunBiz reported.

Passengers at Incheon International Airport in South Korea. Photo by Reuters

The airport also plans to raise the cost recovery rate for landing fees and other charges paid by airlines from 44% in 2024 to around 88%, following consultations with carriers.

The operator said prolonged fee freezes have effectively reduced charges in real terms as inflation has pushed up the cost of operating and maintaining the airport.

For passengers, the proposed changes would increase airport fees by 5,000 won for every international passenger departing from Incheon.

Airlines could pass the additional costs on to travelers, potentially pushing airfares higher.

The proposal comes as Incheon Airport has recovered strongly from the Covid-19 pandemic.

Ranked Asia's second best airport after Singapore Changi in the 2026 Skytrax World Airport Awards, Incheon handled 38.39 million international passengers in the first half of this year, a 6.3% increase from the same period last year.

It handled a record 74.07 million passengers last year.