Traffic on Japan flights rose 20.4% to 5.3 million during the period, according to Incheon International Airport Corporation, which manages the airport.

Transfer passengers on international routes totaled 5.9 million from January through August, up 20.1%, while transfer passengers to and from Japan increased 42.6%, Seoul Economic Daily reported.

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

The increase in passenger traffic on Japan routes was largely driven by the weak yen and expanded flight schedules, while growth in transfer passengers was partly attributed to disruptions at Middle Eastern airports amid the U.S.-Iran war, making them less attractive as transit hubs.

Incheon ranked world's second best airport after Singapore Changi in the 2026 Skytrax World Airport Awards.

The Korean airport saw the strongest growth among the top 10 international airports in terms of scheduled seat capacity in October, according to British aviation firm OAG.

Despite the growth, the airport recorded delays and cancellations for dozens of flights due to bad weather and check-in service failure during the month.

October and November are typically peak tourism months in South Korea, as tourists flock to see the country's autumn foliage.