Inside the airport with the world’s best customer service
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Published 2023-12-19
Incheon was ranked by air transport research firm Skytrax as the 4th best airport in the world in 2022, just behind Haneda Airport in Tokyo, Hamed Airport in Doha, and Singapore’s Changi Airport.
However, Incheon Airport stood out for its customer service. In 2022, it was the world’s first airport to be awarded the highest level of customer experience by the trade association of the world’s airports, Airports Council International.
“We approach customer service from customers’ perspectives,” Lee Hag-jae, CEO of Incheon International Airport Corporation, told CNBC in an interview.
“Airports need to become destinations themselves.”
He emphasized Incheon Airport’s ambition to become a “smart airport,” citing cargo transportation, baggage, shopping services and the immigration process as key priority areas.
In July, Incheon Airport rolled out the ICN Smart Pass, a passport-free clearance for air travelers, reducing the boarding process to mere seconds. The technology leverages facial recognition, forgoing the need to produce passports, tickets and boarding passes multiple times.
Other countries that have or are planning to introduce similar technologies include Singapore and the United Arab Emirates.
“It’s not really about whether Incheon Airport ranks first or second. But rather, I want Incheon Airport to be a model that sets a framework for the industry,” Lee said.
Watch the video to find out what makes Incheon Airport stand out for its customer service.
#CNBC #Incheon #Airport
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All Comments (21)
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once flew to incheon airport and it was astonishing how well designed and welcoming it is to any visitors. truly something other countries or airports especially in Europe should look up to
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I was flying from Singapore to Korea and Japan last week. These airports were amazing and way ahead of most Western countries' airports.
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This airport was voted the best Airport so many times that they stopped ranking it for a while. Compared to European or US airports its so efficient and clean.
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While I was waiting at a departure gate, I saw a dressed up flight attendant hurriedly walking to somewhere. When she spotted a tiny candy wrapper on the floor, she quickly picked it up, put it in her pocket and continued on her way.
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Changi or Hamad may have more bells and whistles and flashy attractions, but in terms of the core function of an airport, to travel, I don't know if anybody does it better than Incheon. I remember I landed there off of an international flight, and the time from stepping off my plane, going through immigration, collecting my bag, and being on the curb waiting for my hotel shuttle was 12 minutes. Simply mind blowing
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The best part about the Incheon airport is the private shower facilities that are free and clean to use. After a connection, it was awesome to shower before a ten plus hour flight ahead of you!
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Love Incheon airport for its cleanliness and efficiency.
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Even more than 15 years ago, Incheon Airport has been an amazing airport. I stopped by there on a connecting flight while in college. The airport was filled with amenities. There is a lounge area with comfortable lounge chairs to nap. Shower rooms, massage spaces (need to pay), and allow you to sign up for tours (free) in Korea without having to go through security on return. On the other hand, American airports are still so garbage.
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For me, who is surrounded by the sea on three sides, Incheon Airport is always a thrilli g place, and my heart races just by going there❤
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For an airport so big, I had never felt more calm while traveling.
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Been there several times. Definitely world class service. Also, been to the other top 4.
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Korea is also one of the safest countries in the world.😊
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I like the fact that it has shower rooms and services for travelers with connecting international flights.
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They are so far ahead of everything it's crazy...
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I had to fly through Incheon during the beginning of world wide covid lockdown and the staff were so incredibly wonderful. Just be careful the food prices are deadly. They also had plants and trees every where which made it feel so much less like a mass transit stop and much more human scale.
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It’s the efficiency and the people who work there who show effort instead of how western airport workers act like they’re being inconvenienced
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before even the service, the large size of Incheon makes it much better than cramped airports. the bathrooms are enormous. and it's much cleaner than other airports, especially in the US. so there's no desire really to be in a lounge because the regular airport is pleasant
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Best airport period. I fly for business. Truly a joy to visit. Incheon is not only an airport it is a shopping mall, museum, hotel and food court. Leaps and bounds beyond airports in the USA and I've been to most.
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Glad my former workplace getting a positive recognition 🎉
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Hope to visit Korea next summer and check this place out.