Incheon Airport Surpasses Heathrow as Busiest in the World

Incheon Airport, located approximately 30 miles west of Seoul, has officially become the busiest airport in the world for international passenger traffic, according to preliminary figures. In the first half of 2026, it handled 38.39 million international passengers, surpassing Heathrow Airport in London.

This surge in traffic is attributed in part to disruptions caused by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, particularly the war involving Iran. As global travel patterns shift, passengers are increasingly opting for routes through South Korea instead of traditional Middle Eastern hubs.

The data highlighting Incheon's status was compiled by the Airports Council International, which tracks airport performance globally. The shift reflects broader changes in aviation patterns amid geopolitical tensions affecting travel.