From 1 October, 15 airports across South Korea have announced a strike through the Chuseok national holiday period, demanding better working conditions. While most of the airports announced resumption of service from the 15th, actions at Incheon Airport continue.
Korean Airports Strike: Unionised Action for Better Working Conditions
Start of October 2025, 15000 unionised workers across 15 airports in South Korea have announced an indefinite strike starting on 1 October, which extends over the national Chuseok holiday period, where high traffic is expected across national airports.
The union says this act is to voice out demands for better working conditions for its members, including more flexible shifts, increased staffing, as well as an “end to the suppression of labour unions.”
Updates: Gradual Service Resumption
Following an updated press release on 4 October, 14 of the national airports have announced a suspension of the strikes, and services are expected to resume through 14 October, when a talk is scheduled for government officials and the state-run Korean Airports Corp. to have a discussion on this issue. However, they also mentioned a return to their general strike actions if their demands are not met.
However, workers from Incheon Airport said they will continue with their planned full-scale walkout through the Chuseok holidays.
Travellers are advised to spare more time if they are travelling to or from the region to prepare for overcrowding.
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