Korean Air completes "Smart Cargo Terminal" upgrade at Incheon Airport

Korean Air announced the completion of the modernization of its cargo terminal at Incheon International Airport for its cargo division Korean Air Cargo, which the airline describes as a next-generation “Smart Cargo Terminal.”

Equipped with advanced automated logistics systems, the infrastructure upgrades were done between June 2025 and September 2026 without interrupting Korean Air Cargo's operations at its 100,000 square meter cargo facility at Incheon Airport.

Among the upgrades include the deployment of Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) and new Elevating Transfer Vehicles (ETVs). Through the expanding the bypass infrastructure from a single line to dual automated transfer lines integrated with the new ETVs, the terminal increased its hourly Unit Load Device (ULD) processing capacity from 18 to 30 units. The cargo terminal’s holding capacity is projected to increase by more than 25%.

Korean Air added that specialized facilities to handle high-yield, special cargo are also undergoing expansion work. 

Images: Korean Air Cargo Terminal at Incheon Airport. Credit: Korean Air

“The project prioritized enhanced workplace standards and operational precision. The automation of heavy equipment structurally minimizes manual handling touchpoints, while infrastructure upgrades improve the overall working environment.”

After the upgrades at Incheon Airport, Korean Air added it is actively modernizing its cargo terminal at New York JFK Airport. Completion of the upgrades at JFK Airport is set for next year.

Korean Air Cargo utilizes both dedicated freighter aircraft and the belly-hold of Korean Air passenger aircraft for the transport of cargo across 116 cities in 39 countries. In addition to the main cargo terminal, Korean Air Cargo also operates the Cool Cargo Center at Incheon to store and process over 150 tones of fresh cargo. The airline also has dedicated cargo terminals in New York, Los Angeles, Tokyo Narita, and Osaka Kansai.