Lotte Duty Free has announced it will close its business at Gimpo International Airport temporarily from tomorrow (12 March).

The re-opening date was not given and it is unclear whether the closure applies to the travel retailer’s perfumes & cosmetics concession only. TRBusiness is seeking clarity on this

The decision was taken in the context of a slump in flights and passenger numbers in the midst of the intensifying coronavirus outbreak, combined with Japan’s decision this week to suspend its visa waiver programme, effective 9 March, for travellers from South Korea, China, Hong Kong and Macau.

Lotte Duty Free says flight schedules at Gimpo Airport have been reduced to one or two per day and there are ‘virtually no duty free shoppers’.

“Lotte Duty Free has comprehensively reviewed this situation and negotiated with Korea Airports Corporation and decided to enter a temporary suspension from the 12^th,” read a statement. “The reopening schedule will be decided in consideration of Gimpo Airport’s flights and passengers.”

DOWNTOWN HOURS SHORTENED

In addition, Lotte Duty Free has announced a further reduction in the opening hours of its downtown shops, which will operate for one hour less per day (09:30 – 17:30).

As reported, the South Korean travel retailer has modified or reduced opening hours across its shops in the wake of Covid-19’s spread.

An emergency response committee chaired by CEO Kap Lee has been set-up to implement protection measures and Lotte Duty Free says its stores are being ‘scrutinised’ every day.