Investigation into New Airport contract to be started in June

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport announced that an investigation looking into air traffic demands will be conducted starting in June of this year. 

The investigation will include a base benchmark that is then measured against the differentiated demands of each airport in the nation. The project will decide whether to expand existing airport facilities or construct a new airport in preparation for increased numbers of tourists.

According to details released thus far, Jeju would be in the running for new airport construction; the findings will be reflected in the 5th airport development long-term plan to be reviewed at the end of 2015.

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport forecasts that Jeju International Airport will become overcrowded, and is expected to reach peak numbers in 2019, six years earlier than the government's previous estimations.

President Park Guen-hye committed to expanding the Jeju International Airport, including potential construction of an all-new facility, during her presidential campaign last year.

In addition, at the Supreme Council held in Jeju in February, the ruling Saenuri Party showed they view the project positively and as a top priority.