Incheon Airport, Named World's Best Airport in 2012, Opens Its First Louis Vuitton Duty-Free Store

By MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Life Network, Reported and Compiled by Li Xinyi

The highly authoritative UK-based service research organization SKYTRAX announced the 2012 "World's Best Airport" award in Vienna on the 20th, with South Korea’s Incheon International Airport taking the top spot, knocking last year’s champion Hong Kong International Airport off the throne. It is worth mentioning that luxury brand Louis Vuitton has never had outlet or duty-free stores before. Last September, Incheon Airport became the first airport in the world to introduce an LV duty-free store, located between Gates 27 and 28 in the center of the passenger terminal building, generating daily sales of $300,000 (approximately NT$8.9 million). Last year, Incheon Airport’s overall duty-free sales also surpassed those of Dubai and Heathrow airports, ranking first in the world.

Currently, Incheon Airport ranks second in the world for international cargo and eighth for international passenger traffic. Last year, it was ranked third in the SKYTRAX evaluation, but this year it jumped straight to first place. Aside from its excellent connectivity — linking 180 cities worldwide via 80 airlines — passengers transiting through Incheon can complete their procedures in just 45 minutes, leaving more time to enjoy the airport’s leisure facilities, including coffee shops, shopping plazas, an ice-skating rink, and a cinema. For those wanting a brief visit to Korean attractions, various transit tour packages are available and can be booked on the OMI Travel and Hana Tour websites, or at the transit service desk on the second floor of the terminal building.

The airport also offers a Hub Lounge, similar to an airline VIP lounge, providing internet access, 24 meal options, and unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages for just $35 (approximately NT$1,040) per person. Korean Air transit passengers receive a 40% discount. Meanwhile, the recently renovated transit hotel has 90 rooms, available for six hours at just $56 (approximately NT$1,662) per person.

Meanwhile, Singapore Changi Airport retained its crown as the second-best airport in the 2012 rankings. Other rankings are as follows: Hong Kong Airport, Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, Beijing Capital Airport, Munich Airport, Zurich Airport, Kuala Lumpur Airport, Vancouver Airport, and tenth place went to Japan’s Chubu Centrair International Airport.

OMI Travel: www.omitravel.kr

Hana Tour: www.hanatourintl.com

Incheon International Airport: www.airport.kr/chn

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