Korea Airport Workers Announce Nationwide Strike

Travelers heading to or from South Korea should prepare for potential disruptions. Korea Airport Workers Announce Nationwide Strike from Sept. 19 with Possible Flight Disruptions During Chuseok.

Over 15,000 airport workers from 15 airports, including Incheon and Gimpo, have declared a general strike starting September 19, raising concerns of aviation delays and cancellations during the busy Chuseok holiday (October 3-6, 2025).

The strike is led by the National Airport Workers’ Solidarity, a coalition that includes:

• The Incheon Airport Regional Branch of the Public Transport Workers’ Union under the KCTU.

• The National Airport Labor Union, representing workers from 14 other airports nationwide.

This marks the first time these groups are striking together on such a large scale.

The union represents staff primarily from airport subsidiaries, responsible for:

• Runway and terminal maintenance

• Electrical and firefighting systems

• General safety operations

Their demands include:

• Revising shift schedules at Incheon Airport (from 3-shift, 2-team to 4-shift, 2-team system).

• Hiring additional staff in line with the airport’s Phase 4 expansion.

• Improving treatment of subsidiary employees compared to main corporation staff.

Union leaders stressed that fatigue and accidents have risen due to long shifts and fear of wage cuts when taking leave. This year alone, several workplace accidents occurred, including the death of a worker in his 70s at Incheon Airport’s terminal construction site.

• Warning strike: Scheduled at Incheon Airport Terminal 2 on September 19.

• Extended strike: Expected to last through Chuseok if demands are unmet.

• During the Lunar New Year holiday, even without a strike, some airports experienced delays of 3-8 hours. With over 60% of workers expected to participate this time, disruptions could be more severe, including possible flight cancellations.

• Workers previously threatened strikes in July and September 2024, but these were withdrawn after promises of increased manpower.

• Last year, a Chuseok strike warning was also suspended after Incheon Airport accepted staffing demands.

If you plan to fly during this period:

1. Check airline updates regularly.

2. Allow extra time at the airport.

3. Monitor Incheon and Gimpo Airport announcements.

4. Prepare for alternative travel plans in case of cancellations.

The upcoming strike could cause significant disruptions during one of Korea’s busiest travel seasons. With both safety and labor rights at the center of the dispute, travelers should remain vigilant and informed.