[5] This decision was challenged by then presidential canditate, Park Geun-hye, who stated a new airport was essential.

[5] During the Park Geun-hye administration, efforts were instead redirected to expansion of the Gimhae International Airport.

[2] In 2014, a government commissioned report indicated that a new airport in the Yeongnam region would be required as flights continued to increase.

[2][7] The plans included construction of South Korea's first floating airport which would be located both on the land and sea off the island of Gadeok with a proposed opening in 2035.

[10][9] The fast-tracking aimed to assist Busan in winning its bid for the 2030 World Expo (later lost to Riyadh).

[13] The airport will host a ferry terminal to connect passengers to Ulsan, Haeundae, and Yeosu.