Travellers heading to South Korea during the September holiday period could face significant disruptions as unionised airport workers prepare for a large-scale strike. The strike, involving 15 airports nationwide including Incheon International Airport, is scheduled to run from 19 September to 9 October 2025 — coinciding with the busy Chuseok festive season.
The Korean Public and Social Services and Transport Workers’ Union (KPTU), together with the umbrella union representing South Korean airports, confirmed their plans after holding a press conference on 9 September. They are demanding improvements to their shift schedule and an increase in manpower to better manage operations.
Currently, airport staff operate under a three-team, two-shift system. Workers are often required to do two consecutive day shifts followed by two consecutive night shifts, leaving little time for adequate rest. The unions are instead pushing for a four-team rotation system, which they say will ease fatigue and improve safety standards.
Impact on Travellers and Airlines
The strike is expected to affect critical airport services, including runway and facility maintenance. While authorities have clarified that flights will not be completely halted — as South Korean law mandates basic airport operations to continue even during strikes — travellers may experience flight delays of three to eight hours, similar to disruptions seen during past festive periods.
Some airlines have already begun preparing contingency plans, though delays and even cancellations during the Chuseok peak travel season remain a strong possibility. This could particularly impact Singaporean travellers who often use Seoul as a stopover hub for flights to other destinations.
Ongoing Negotiations
Union representatives have said they will only proceed with the strike if the Incheon International Airport Corporation and Korea Airports Corporation fail to make meaningful changes before 19 September. Negotiations are ongoing, but workers remain firm in their stance, describing the current system as unsustainable.
With millions of travellers expected during Chuseok, the strike could test South Korea’s ability to balance labour rights with the need to ensure smooth international travel.