The government's plan to merge three airport authorities has emerged as a central issue in Incheon as the June 3 local elections approach—just 65 days away.
With the planned establishment of a Yeongjong district office this July, opposition to the merger has hardened, and Yeongjong Island—home to Incheon Airport—has become a primary battleground for candidates running for metropolitan and local executive offices.
As of the 30th, dozens of 'Stop the merger' banners lined roads in the Airport New Town and Sky City neighborhoods adjacent to Incheon Airport. Civic groups appear to be sending a clear signal to politicians ahead of the vote.
Even on the airport's anniversary on the 29th, concerns about the merger were aired publicly. At the 25th‑anniversary ceremony the Incheon Airport Corporation held at Terminal 2 on the 27th, opposition to the merger dominated the proceedings.
Kang Dong-seok, a former minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport and the Incheon Airport Corporation's first president who helped lay the airport's operational foundations, said in a congratulatory speech: 'A past government also sought to sell Incheon Airport in 2008, but that effort failed due to public and political opposition. I believe this merger debate will follow the same path.'
'Incheon Airport has grown by overcoming countless challenges. We must now pursue smarter, more thoughtful innovation,' he added.
Kang led the land reclamation that made the airport possible and oversaw its operations, playing a central role in building Incheon Airport—the backbone of South Korea's aviation industry. He also leads annual training on airport construction and operations for new staff and is regarded as a guiding figure for airport workers.
Many members of Inhanghoe, a group of airport specialists who participated in the airport's construction and operations, also voiced opposition to the proposed consolidation of the three airport authorities.
Incheon Airport Corporation and labor unions at seven airports strongly oppose the merger. Roughly 90,000 on-site Incheon Airport employees have also continued to express opposition on the ground.
/Kim Gi-seong, Reporter audisung@incheonilbo.com
