South Korea's second busiest gateway, serving the Busan region.
Opened
1976
Location
Busan, South Korea
Gimhae International Airport (IATA: PUS, ICAO: RKPK) is the primary airport serving Busan, South Korea's second-largest city and the country's busiest port. Located in the Gangseo District of Busan, the airport handles both domestic and international flights and ranks as the second busiest airport in South Korea after Incheon International Airport.
The airport sits on the west bank of the Nakdong River and has historically faced operational constraints due to surrounding terrain and its proximity to the Gimhae military air base, which shares the facility. Plans for a new airport, Gadeokdo New Airport, have been approved to eventually replace Gimhae as Busan's primary commercial aviation hub.
Gimhae serves millions of passengers annually, connecting Busan to major destinations across Asia and select long-haul routes. It is a hub for Korean Air and a focus city for several low-cost carriers including Air Busan, which is headquartered at the airport.
Terminals
The airport operates two passenger terminals: a domestic terminal and an international terminal, handling separate flows of domestic and international travelers.
Getting to & from
The airport is connected to central Busan by the Busan–Gimhae Light Rail Transit (BGL) line, city buses, taxis, and limousine bus services.
Airlines here
Korean Air uses Gimhae as a secondary hub, while Air Busan, headquartered at the airport, operates as a key low-cost carrier alongside Jin Air, Jeju Air, and various international carriers.
Notable facts
- ›Gimhae International Airport shares its runways with a South Korean Air Force base.
- ›Air Busan, a regional low-cost carrier, is headquartered at Gimhae International Airport.
- ›The airport is the second busiest in South Korea by passenger traffic, after Incheon.
- ›Plans are underway to construct Gadeokdo New Airport to replace Gimhae for commercial aviation.
- ›The airport's location near mountains and the Nakdong River imposes strict operational and curfew restrictions.
This profile is provided for general information only. Details may be inaccurate or outdated — always verify with the airport's official website before acting on them.
