SEOUL, July 8 (Korea Bizwire) — Almost six months have passed since the onset of the coronavirus outbreak, and airport restaurants are fighting for survival as customer numbers continue to dwindle.
Despite the upcoming vacation season, restaurants at Incheon International Airport, South Korea’s main air hub, are more or less empty thanks to the coronavirus pandemic.
A company that used to run more than 30 stores across the airport now operates only 30 percent of them, and the stores close three or four hours earlier than usual every day.
The company’s Incheon International Airport sales during the first two quarters this year shrank by more than 90 percent, reaching a point where it is almost impossible to turn a profit.
Another major concession company at Gimpo International Airport in western Seoul decided to cut operating hours.
The situation is worse at Gimhae International Airport, the gateway to Busan and southeastern South Korea. As the coronavirus put a stop to all international flights, airport restaurants have been forced to shut down indefinitely.
“Since international flights have been shut down because of the coronavirus, we aren’t sure when we’ll be able to reopen,” said a local food court operator.
Image Credit: Yonhap / photonews@koreabizwire.com
