Civic organizations in Busan are urging the government to proceed with a negotiated contract for the construction of the Gadeok Island airport after the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport's efforts to solicit bids from other construction companies have been unsuccessful. The consortium led by Daewoo Engineering & Construction emerged as the only bidder after multiple failed attempts at public procurement, prompting the Busan Civic Movement Headquarters to argue that the government should conclude the bidding process and engage in a negotiated contract without further delay. They emphasize that such action is legally permissible after multiple failed bidding rounds and could expedite the airport's construction timeline.

The groups argue that pursuing a third round of bids would be futile, given that Daewoo's consortium is the sole party that has submitted a bid. By negotiating directly with Daewoo, the government could potentially save around 40 days in the project timeline instead of continuing to seek additional bids. This assertion is based on legal provisions that allow for negotiated contracts after two unsuccessful bidding rounds, designed to prevent favoritism and streamline contract processes.

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, faced with public pressure, had previously shifted the airport's opening date from 2029 to 2025 after a lengthy tendering process involving multiple attempts to select a contractor. However, with only one bid submitted in the latest round, the ministry is now evaluating its options under the national procurement law, indicating that it will determine whether to proceed with another round of bidding or consider a negotiated contract with the existing bidder, Daewoo.