Airport Worker Strike Looms Ahead of Chuseok Holiday: What Travelers Need to Know
Anxiety Rises Among Travelers Ahead of Chuseok Holiday
The Chuseok holiday is the busiest time for airports, with family gatherings, travel to hometowns, and international trips.
However, this year, a planned strike by airport workers is causing concern for many.
What if my departure is delayed after booking my flight?
This article summarizes the strike's scope, potential impact, and contingency plans to provide travelers with the practical information they need.
✅ Strike Overview: Who, Why, and When
Who
Airport workers belonging to the United Airport Workers' Union.
Includes employees of Incheon International Airport Corporation and Korea Airports Corporation subsidiaries.
Tasks include cleaning, traffic control, and passenger terminal information.
(Security and guarding duties are legally not allowed to strike)
Main Demands
* Transition from the current 3-shift, 2-crew system to a 4-shift, 2-crew system (reducing consecutive night shifts)
* Increase staffing and improve working conditions
* Eliminate unfair contract practices between parent and subsidiary companies
When
Warning strike to begin on September 19, 2025.
The union has raised the possibility of an indefinite, full-scale strike starting on October 1 if their demands are not met.
✅ Traveler Concerns
High Volume + Time Sensitivity: Chuseok is a peak season for airport demand.
Delays in processing or flight delays can disrupt entire travel plans.
Strike Scope & Role: Security and guarding are not subject to the strike.
However, basic services such as terminal information, cleaning, and traffic management may be partially suspended.
Even small service gaps could increase passenger wait times and confusion.
Alternate Staffing & Emergency Response: Airport corporations are operating an emergency response system to minimize departure delays.
Incheon Airport has raised the alert level for consignment operations from 'Vigilance' to 'Serious'.
Alternate staffing and operational monitoring are being strengthened.
✅ Potential Impact: Real Possibilities vs. Exaggerations
Item
High Probability
Low Probability
Increased Wait Times (Terminal information, restrooms, information services, etc.)
✅High - Included in strike target tasks.
✅Low - Can be supplemented to some extent by alternative staffing and emergency systems.
Flight Cancellations or Significant Delays
Possible - The possibility of an indefinite strike has been warned if demands are not met.
Not Likely - Most flights are normal even during the one-day warning strike, but there may be minor delays.
Deterioration of Passenger Service Quality (Cleanliness, information, transportation connections, etc.)
✅High - Lack of check-in assistance or poor cleaning may be noticeable.
✅Low - Not a complete shutdown. Essential functions such as major security checks are maintained.
✅ Traveler Preparedness Checklist & Tips
Check Flight Schedules in Advance
Check airline apps or websites for sudden changes in departure and arrival times.
Arrive at the Airport with Plenty of Time
Considering the Chuseok holiday and strike impact,
It is recommended to arrive 3-4 hours before departure for domestic flights and 4-5 hours before for international flights.
Prepare Backup Plans
Prepare for the possibility of missing your flight
Check for alternative transportation options (bus, train, etc.) or accommodation options.
Check Information in Real Time
Continuously check announcements from airport corporations and unions, airline notices, and media reports. Use websites and social media.
Prepare a Relaxed Mindset
Dissatisfaction and stress related to the strike are unavoidable.
Plan your schedule with extra time and bring extra clothes or items.
✅Preparing for Uncertainty is the Most Certain Preparation
The airport strike issue during the Chuseok holiday is more than just a 'possibility'
It is a 'reality that you may encounter'.
It is still an exaggeration to say that all flights will be cancelled or that the chaos will be extreme,
However, some deficiencies in passenger service, delays in procedures, and long waits
Inconveniences can be quite real.
If you have a trip planned, you should allow extra time in your schedule and departure time,
It is also a good idea to prepare a Plan B in case of any confusion.
Have a safe trip this Chuseok!
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