INCHEON, South Korea – Incheon International Airport is set to open a new, expanded terminal on December 3rd, but the facility is expected to remain largely empty for at least a year due to delays in airline reallocations.

The new terminal, which is part of a $4.8 billion expansion project, will increase the airport's annual passenger capacity to 106 million. However, the merger of Korean Air and Asiana Airlines, which is still pending approval from the European Union, is delaying the relocation of airlines to the new terminal.

As a result, the newly expanded Terminal 2 is likely to be underutilized for at least a year, despite the significant investment. Airlines that are part of the SkyTeam alliance, led by Korean Air, currently operate out of Terminal 2. On the other hand, Asiana Airlines, which is a member of the Star Alliance, operates out of Terminal 1.

Relocating Asiana Airlines to Terminal 2 after its merger with Korean Air will require a complex process that includes giving sufficient notice to Star Alliance members and their passengers. This process could take up to a year to complete.

The delay in airline reallocations is expected to cause inconvenience for passengers during the upcoming winter peak season. While the new Terminal 2 will have ample space, Terminal 1 is likely to be overcrowded, leading to longer queues for check-in and security.

"We plan to open and operate the additional space in Terminal 2 gradually in line with passenger demand," said an official from Incheon International Airport Corporation.

The delay in the full utilization of the new terminal highlights the challenges faced by airports in adapting to industry changes, such as airline mergers and alliances. It also underscores the importance of careful planning and coordination between airports and airlines.