The Minister of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport, Kim Yoon-deok, announced that a preliminary feasibility study for a new civilian-only runway at Cheongju International Airport will be conducted in the second half of this year. This initiative is part of a broader plan to enhance the facilities at Cheongju Airport and includes additional slots for civilian aircraft, a connection to a rapid transit railway, and expansion of the passenger terminal. The initiative marks a significant move for local stakeholders who aim to optimize the airport's operations given its current limitations on runway length and flight slots.

Cheongju International Airport, which opened in 1997, currently has two runways—one exclusively for military use and another for both military and civilian use. With approximately 141,000 flights per year, the usage is split predominantly in favor of military operations, signaling a pressing need for a dedicated civilian runway to ensure that civilian airlines can effectively operate without congestion. Plans for a new runway measuring 3,200 meters long and 45 meters wide are being discussed as part of a larger strategy to boost regional connectivity and economic prospects in the Central Chungcheong region.

The recent announcement gained traction at a town hall meeting where regional leaders expressed hope for improved airport facilities. Previously, citizens from the Chungcheong region had petitioned the Ministry of Land to support the construction of a new civilian runway, indicating strong community support for this project. The feasibility study is seen as a positive indication for both local residents and government officials, with the successful establishment of a civilian runway expected to enhance air traffic capacity significantly in the region.