DHL Express has commenced the full-fledged operation of Incheon Gateway after it invested €131 million (KRW 175 billion) to expand the Gateway in 2019. The investment is DHL Express's largest in South Korea to date, making Incheon Gateway the largest gateway in the Asia Pacific.
The expansion aims to address the increasing air cargo demand at the Gateway, as a result of growing overseas trade in South Korea and increase in international express import and export with Asia-Pacific countries, including Singapore, Japan, China, Australia, and Taiwan.
Sean Wall, Executive Vice President of Network Operations and Aviation, Asia Pacific, DHL Express, was present to commemorate the opening of the new Incheon Gateway. He said, "We are handling more cargo in South Korea in recent years, and we expect the demand to continue on its upward trajectory. Between 2011 and now, the transit cargo handling volume we handled in the country grew more than threefold. The opening of the expanded Incheon Gateway arrives at a right time as it plays an important role to facilitate regional and intra-Asia trade, particularly for the Northeast Asian region, including Dalian, Qingdao, Wuxi, Ulaanbaatar, and Guam."
ByungKoo Han, Country Manager of DHL Express Korea, said, "The Incheon Gateway serves as a strategic facility that connects South Korea and the Asia Pacific region to the world. Since its initial opening in 2009, the handling volume of import and export at Incheon Gateway has increased by more than 90% in 2022. With this expansion, we are confident that we can adeptly manage the surge in shipment volume and cater to the increasing demand for international express delivery over the coming decade."