099. Jeju Airport (CJU)

CJU

Jeju International Airport (CJU) is more than just an airport; it is the vibrant portal to Jeju Island, South Korea’s beloved “Island of the Gods” and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Nestled on the northern coast of the island, CJU stands as the second-busiest airport in South Korea, a testament to Jeju’s immense popularity as a domestic and increasingly international tourist destination. Its unique operational demands, driven by the world’s busiest air route, underscore its critical importance in the nation’s transportation network.

The History of CJU

The history of Jeju International Airport is closely tied to the island’s rise as a premier tourist destination. While a small airfield existed in Jeju in the mid-20th century, the modern era of air travel for the island began with the official opening of Jeju International Airport on April 26, 1968. Initially, it was a modest facility, primarily serving domestic flights to the mainland.

As South Korea experienced rapid economic growth and its citizens gained more leisure time, Jeju Island’s natural beauty – with its volcanic landscapes, pristine beaches, and unique cultural heritage – began to attract significant attention. This burgeoning domestic tourism fueled a rapid increase in air traffic to CJU throughout the 1970s and 1980s.

The pivotal moment in CJU’s history, and a key factor in its remarkable growth, was the emergence of the Seoul-Jeju route. This route quickly became, and remains, the busiest airline route in the world, a unique phenomenon driven by the sheer volume of South Koreans traveling to the island for holidays, honeymoons, and weekend getaways. This unprecedented demand necessitated continuous expansion and modernization of the airport facilities.

Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, CJU underwent several significant upgrades, expanding its terminal building and improving runway infrastructure to cope with the ever-increasing passenger numbers. By 1997, the airport was handling close to 10 million passengers annually. The early 21st century also saw a rise in international visitors, particularly from China, Japan, and other Asian countries, further diversifying CJU’s traffic profile.

Despite being designed to handle a much smaller volume, CJU consistently pushed its operational limits, exceeding 30 million passengers by 2019. This extraordinary growth, coupled with its single-runway operation, has made efficient management a paramount concern and has continually driven discussions about the airport’s future capacity.

CJU Quick Facts and Statistics

Jeju International Airport’s statistics paint a picture of an incredibly busy and vital transportation hub, operating with remarkable efficiency.

  • Official Name: Jeju International Airport
  • IATA Code: CJU
  • ICAO Code: RKPC
  • Opened: April 26, 1968
  • Operator: Korea Airports Corporation (KAC)
  • Location: Jeju City, Jeju Province, South Korea. Situated on the northern coast of Jeju Island, conveniently close to the city center.
  • Elevation: 36 meters (118 feet) above mean sea level.
  • Runways: Jeju International Airport operates with two runways:
    • 07/25: 3,180 meters (10,433 feet) long and 45 meters (148 feet) wide.
    • 13/31: 1,900 meters (6,234 feet) long and 45 meters (148 feet) wide. The primary runway is 07/25, which handles the vast majority of traffic.
  • Terminals: The airport has a single, integrated passenger terminal that handles both domestic and international flights.
  • Passenger Traffic: CJU is the second-busiest airport in South Korea. In 2019, it handled over 31.3 million passengers, despite being designed for a lower capacity (around 26 million passengers). In 2023, it served over 29 million passengers, demonstrating a strong recovery and continued high demand.
  • Busiest Route: The Jeju-Seoul (Gimpo) route is famously the busiest airline route in the world. In 2023, over 13.7 million passengers traveled on this single route, with more than 100 flights per day during peak times.
  • Aircraft Movements: The airport recorded over 175,000 aircraft movements in 2019, showcasing the intense operational tempo on its single primary runway.
  • Cargo Volume: CJU also handles a significant volume of cargo, supporting the island’s economy, which includes agricultural exports and specialized goods.

Comprehensive Facilities for Island Travelers

Jeju International Airport, despite its high traffic volume, offers a comprehensive range of facilities and services designed to enhance the passenger experience for both domestic and international visitors.

  • Shopping and Dining: The terminal features a variety of retail outlets, including duty-free shops (for international departures) offering a wide range of cosmetics, liquor, and luxury goods. There are also numerous local souvenir shops where travelers can purchase unique Jeju products, such as Hallabong tangerines, local chocolates, and volcanic stone crafts. The dining options are diverse, ranging from Korean traditional restaurants serving local Jeju specialties to international fast-food chains, cafes, and bakeries.
  • Lounges: Several lounges are available for eligible passengers, including airline-specific lounges (e.g., Korean Air KAL Lounge, Asiana Airlines Business Class Lounge) and common lounges accessible to credit cardholders or for a fee. These offer comfortable seating, complimentary refreshments, and Wi-Fi.
  • Connectivity: Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, allowing passengers to stay connected. Charging stations for electronic devices are also1 provided.
  • Baggage Services: Baggage wrapping services, lost and found counters, and luggage storage facilities are available.
  • Medical Services: A medical clinic and pharmacy are on hand for any health emergencies or needs.
  • Financial Services: Multiple ATMs, currency exchange counters, and banking services are conveniently located within the terminal.
  • Accessibility: The airport is designed to be accessible for passengers with reduced mobility, featuring ramps, elevators, accessible restrooms, and dedicated assistance services upon request.
  • Family Services: Nursing rooms and baby changing facilities are available for families traveling with infants. Children’s play areas are also present to keep younger travelers entertained.
  • Information Services: Information desks staffed by multilingual personnel are strategically located to assist passengers with flight information, airport services, and local tourism queries.
  • Convenience Facilities: Other amenities include a post office, a convenience store, and a barber shop.
  • Observation Deck: A small observation area might be available, offering views of the tarmac and aircraft.

The airport’s layout is designed to be efficient, considering the high volume of domestic traffic it manages daily.

A Robust Airline Network for Jeju Island

Jeju International Airport’s airline network is extensive, largely dominated by domestic routes but with a growing number of international connections, reflecting the island’s broad appeal.

  • Korean Air (KE): As one of South Korea’s two major flag carriers, Korean Air has a significant presence at CJU, operating frequent flights to Seoul (Gimpo and Incheon), Busan, and other mainland cities. It also operates some international services.
  • Asiana Airlines (OZ): The other major South Korean full-service carrier, Asiana also offers numerous daily flights between Jeju and mainland cities like Seoul (Gimpo), Busan, and Gwangju, along with select international routes.
  • South Korean Low-Cost Carriers (LCCs): LCCs are the backbone of the domestic market at CJU, offering high-frequency, affordable flights that drive the immense passenger volumes. Major LCCs operating from Jeju include:
    • Jeju Air (7C): Based on Jeju Island, it’s the largest LCC in South Korea and operates a vast network of domestic flights from CJU, as well as numerous international routes to Japan, China, Southeast Asia, and Oceania.
    • Jin Air (LJ): A subsidiary of Korean Air, Jin Air also has a strong presence at CJU, with frequent domestic and international flights.
    • Eastar Jet (ZE): Another prominent South Korean LCC serving domestic and international routes.
    • T’way Air (TW): Offers a wide range of domestic and international flights from Jeju.
    • Air Busan (BX): A subsidiary of Asiana Airlines, focused on routes to/from Busan and other domestic cities.
    • Air Seoul (RS): Also an Asiana Airlines subsidiary, primarily serving routes to Seoul-Gimpo.
  • International Carriers (Primarily Asia): CJU has a growing international network, mainly connecting to key cities in Northeast and Southeast Asia. These include:
    • China: Numerous Chinese airlines (e.g., China Eastern Airlines, Spring Airlines, Juneyao Air, Beijing Capital Airlines, Loong Air, Tianjin Airlines, Xiamen Airlines) offer direct flights to major Chinese cities like Shanghai, Beijing, Hangzhou, Nanjing, Shenyang, and more, catering to the significant Chinese tourist market.
    • Taiwan: Eastar Jet, Tigerair Taiwan, and T’way Air connect Jeju to Taipei.
    • Japan: Jeju Air, T’way Air, and other LCCs offer flights to Japanese cities like Osaka (Kansai), Tokyo (Narita), and Fukuoka.
    • Southeast Asia: Scoot (Singapore Airlines’ LCC) offers connections to Singapore. Other airlines occasionally operate charter flights to Southeast Asian destinations.
    • Hong Kong: HK Express and Jeju Air provide direct flights to Hong Kong.

This extensive and largely high-frequency network underscores CJU’s role as a vital gateway for tourism and local connectivity.

Convenient Ground Transportation

Jeju International Airport is conveniently located close to Jeju City, offering several efficient ground transportation options for travelers.

  • Public City Buses: This is a comprehensive and affordable way to get around Jeju Island. Numerous public bus routes operate from the airport’s bus stops, connecting to various parts of Jeju City, including the downtown area, popular attractions, and intercity bus terminals for onward travel across the island (e.g., to Seogwipo). The Jeju public bus system is relatively modern and user-friendly, with information available in multiple languages.
  • Limousine Buses: Specific “Limousine Buses” offer comfortable and direct connections from the airport to major hotels and resorts, particularly in the southern part of the island (Seogwipo) and other popular tourist areas. These are a good option for those heading directly to their accommodation.
  • Taxis: Taxis are readily available at designated ranks outside the terminal. They offer a convenient door-to-door service. Fares are metered, and drivers generally speak some English. For those looking for a more tailored experience, “Global Taxis” with English-speaking drivers are available and can assist with itinerary planning.
  • Ride-Hailing Services: Services like Uber (though less prevalent than local alternatives) and other local ride-hailing apps operate on Jeju Island, offering convenient booking via smartphone apps.
  • Car Rental: Renting a car is one of the most popular ways for visitors to explore Jeju Island, given its expansive natural attractions and the convenience it offers. Numerous car rental companies, both international and local, have offices at or near the airport, with shuttle services to their depots. Cars equipped with navigation systems are standard.
  • Private Transfers: Pre-booked private car transfers are also available, offering a stress-free and comfortable door-to-door service, especially useful for groups or those with heavy luggage.

With no subway or train system on the island, the well-developed bus and taxi networks, combined with popular car rental options, ensure efficient access from the airport to all corners of Jeju.

The Future of Jeju International Airport

Jeju International Airport is currently facing significant capacity constraints due to the immense popularity of Jeju Island. Despite expansions over the years, the single primary runway and existing terminal are operating beyond their designed limits, leading to frequent flight delays and congestion. This pressing issue has led to extensive discussions and ambitious plans for the airport’s future.

The most critical and long-debated future project is the construction of a Second Jeju International Airport.

  • Proposed Location: The new airport is planned for the Seongsan area in the eastern part of Jeju Island, near Seogwipo.
  • Capacity: The proposed new airport is designed to handle an initial capacity of around 16.9 to 19 million passengers per year, significantly alleviating the pressure on the existing CJU.
  • Infrastructure: Plans for the second airport include a new 3,200-meter (10,500 feet) runway, a modern passenger terminal, and numerous aircraft parking stands. The new terminal aims to utilize renewable energy sources for a significant portion of its electrical requirements.
  • Dual Airport System: The new airport is intended to operate as a secondary airport to the existing Jeju International Airport, creating a dual airport system for the island. This approach aims to distribute the high volume of traffic and enhance overall air connectivity for Jeju.
  • Environmental Concerns and Delays: The project has faced significant delays and opposition due to environmental concerns, particularly regarding its potential impact on Jeju’s unique ecosystem, including its groundwater reserves and protected species. The Ministry of Environment has previously cancelled plans, requiring revised environmental impact assessments. While the project has received conditional environmental approval, local opposition and ongoing reviews continue.
  • Projected Timeline: Development works were initially scheduled to commence around 2019, with completion projected for 2025. However, due to the environmental assessment issues and other factors, the timeline has been pushed back, and exact completion dates remain fluid as of early 2025.

In the interim, while the second airport project proceeds, the existing Jeju International Airport (CJU) continues to implement measures to optimize its current operations. These include:

  • Runway Safety Enhancements: Plans are in place to extend runway safety areas and implement Engineered Material Arresting Systems (EMAS) at airports where extensions are not feasible, enhancing safety during landings and takeoffs.
  • Technological Upgrades: Continuous investment in air traffic control systems and ground handling technologies to maximize the efficiency of the existing single-runway operation.

The development of the Second Jeju International Airport is a pivotal, long-term undertaking for South Korea, crucial for sustaining Jeju Island’s tourism growth and ensuring efficient air travel to this popular destination for decades to come.

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