SEOUL, Sept. 13 (Yonhap) — The operator of Incheon International Airport on Wednesday announced a project to modernize the over two-decade old Terminal 1 at the airport with an expenditure of 1.2 trillion won (US$902.2 million).
The revamp will begin in April next year and will be completed by June 2033, Incheon International Airport Corp. stated.
The company said 80 percent of the machine, electric and communication facilities of Terminal 1, which opened in 2001, are outdated while the terminal also needs to be upgraded to the latest fire- and earthquake-resistant standards.
The renovation will also involve enhancing the terminal’s smoke extraction system and the substitution of the security screening facility, which will make it feasible to perform explosive detection tests on all checked-in luggage.
To minimize customer disruption, the revamp will be conducted section by section.
An official said the company seeks to increase the annual number of travelers using Terminal 1 by 10 percent from the current 54 million with the renovation project.
This undated photo shows travelers preparing to board planes at Incheon International Airport. (Yonhap)
pbr@yna.co.kr
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