Over the past year, Korea Airports Corporation has faced persistent financial losses despite a rebound in passenger traffic, with only a few major airports remaining profitable. Nonetheless, the company has advanced significant initiatives in AI-driven airport operations, urban air mobility, and international partnerships, positioning itself for long-term modernization and global competitiveness.

According to aviation data from the Korea Transport Institute, Korea’s total air passenger volume in 2024 reached approximately 89.3 million, marking a 60.2% increase from the prior year. However, the majority of this recovery was driven by Incheon International Airport, which accounted for roughly 79% of total passenger traffic. KAC’s regional airports collectively handled around 18.6 million passengers, showing moderate recovery but falling short of pre-pandemic levels.

Among KAC’s airports, only Gimpo, Gimhae, and Jeju International Airports operated profitably. The remaining 11 airports — including Daegu, Cheongju, Muan, Yeosu, and Yangyang — continued to report chronic deficits, a situation persisting for over a decade. KAC’s cumulative net loss between 2020 and 2023 reached KRW705.9bn, driven by high fixed costs, limited aviation revenue, and debt servicing expenses. Although total revenue rose from KRW580.8bn in 2020 to KRW850.8bn in 2023, it remained below the KRW971.1bn recorded in 2019, underscoring the incomplete recovery.