Incheon airport overtakes Heathrow, Changi as world’s busiest for international passengers in first half of 2026

Abi Sarabia M., Philippine Canadian Inquirer
August 14, 2026

Photo courtesy: The Guardian

Incheon International Airport in South Korea recorded 38.4 million international passengers in the first half of 2026, making it the busiest airport in the world for international passenger traffic during that period, according to preliminary data from the Airports Council International (ACI).

London Heathrow Airport ranked second with 37.79 million international passengers, while Singapore Changi Airport placed third with 34.53 million, the ACI data showed.

Incheon Airport attributed its rise in passenger traffic partly to the diversion of travelers from Middle East aviation hubs, a shift it linked to the war between the United States and Iran.

The airport also credited its expanded infrastructure for supporting the increase in traffic. Incheon currently serves 158 international destinations.

The ACI figures are preliminary, and final rankings for the first half of 2026 have yet to be confirmed.