Korean Air completes smart cargo terminal at Incheon, boosting capacity over 25%

Korean Air has completed the modernisation of its cargo terminal at Incheon International Airport (ICN), transforming it into what the airline calls a ‘Smart Terminal’ with automated systems for moving and handling freight.

The upgrade ran from June 2025 to September 2026, and Korean Air noted that cargo operations continued without disruption throughout the work.

Automated vehicles raise hourly ULD handling from 18 to 30 units

The centerpiece of the project is the introduction of automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and new elevating transfer vehicles (ETVs), which move cargo containers around the terminal with less manual work.

Korean Air also expanded the terminal’s bypass system, which routes containers through the facility, from a single line to two automated transfer lines linked to the new ETVs. As a result, the terminal can now process 30 unit load devices (ULDs), the standard containers and pallets used to carry air cargo, per hour, up from 18 previously.

The airline expects the terminal’s overall cargo handling capacity to increase by more than 25%. It is also expanding facilities for special cargo, a category that typically earns higher rates.

Less heavy lifting for staff

According to Korean Air, the project was also designed to improve working conditions. Automating heavy equipment reduces how often workers need to handle cargo manually and other infrastructure upgrades have improved the overall work environment.

A Korean Air representative remarked that the renovation was an essential step in responding to rapid changes in global logistics by upgrading equipment and adopting smart technologies.

With work at Incheon complete, Korean Air is now modernizing its cargo terminal at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in New York, with completion planned for 2027.

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