Insider Spotlight
The appointment comes as the country’s main gateway undergoes one of its most significant transformation efforts in decades.
In a statement on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, NNIC said Kim – a nearly three-decade veteran of South Korea’s Incheon International Airport – will take charge of the airport’s day-to-day operations.
He replaces Ok Chul “Paul” Shin, who will move to a new assignment within the organization.
Why it matters
The appointment underscores NNIC’s strategy of leveraging Incheon International Airport’s operational expertise to improve passenger experience, security, cargo operations, facilities management and airport systems at NAIA.
The Manila airport has long faced challenges related to congestion, aging infrastructure and limited capacity.
Incheon International Airport, South Korea’s busiest airport, is widely recognized for service quality and operational efficiency.
NNIC said its partnership with Incheon is intended to help elevate NAIA to global airport operating standards.
By the numbers
Kim most recently served as director of airport security management at Incheon, where he led initiatives including biometric access control systems, AI-assisted CCTV deployment and a comprehensive security inspection program.
Earlier in his career, he oversaw operational readiness planning for Incheon’s fourth-phase expansion and handled projects involving cargo, logistics and free trade zone development.
His international experience also includes serving as director of operations and facilities management at Kuwait Airport Terminal 4 and working as an operational readiness consultant for Erbil International Airport in Iraq.
Kim is a licensed senior electrical engineer and a certified project management professional.
“John brings the operating discipline and technical depth NNIC needs at this stage of NAIA’s transformation,” NNIC general manager Angelito Alvarez said. “His experience at Incheon is directly relevant to the work ahead as we continue improving the airport’s systems, facilities and passenger experience.”
NNIC also appointed Han Joon Kim, a 21-year Incheon veteran with expertise in airport systems, technology and project management, to support civil aviation compliance and mandatory works.
The company also thanked Shin and outgoing representative Bong Su Kim for their contributions over the past two years. —Daxim L. Lucas| Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
