In the wake of the tragic December crash of a Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 at Muan Airport, South Korea is taking decisive action to enhance aviation safety across the nation. The fatal incident, which resulted in the loss of 179 out of 181 passengers, occurred when the aircraft skidded off the runway and collided with a localizer structure, leading to a catastrophic fire.
The South Korean transport ministry has announced a comprehensive plan to improve the structures housing the antennas that guide landings at its airports. This initiative follows a thorough inspection of seven domestic airports, including Muan, which revealed that several embankments and foundations made of concrete or steel require modifications to prevent future tragedies.
Starting this month, the ministry will implement measures to upgrade these critical structures, with the goal of completing all improvements by the end of 2025. While specific details of the planned enhancements have not been disclosed, the move underscores the government's commitment to aviation safety.
Aviation safety experts have criticized the placement of the embankment at Muan Airport, suggesting that its location may have contributed to the high death toll of the Jeju Air crash. In response to these findings, the government has intensified its efforts to inspect and regulate safety conditions across airlines and airports.
In addition to infrastructure changes, the transport ministry has completed inspections of six domestic airlines operating Boeing 737-800s. The inspections uncovered several violations, including extended periods between inspections and non-compliance with procedures for addressing plane defects and passenger boarding protocols. However, the ministry has not confirmed whether Jeju Air was among the airlines found to be in violation.
A special safety inspection of major airport facilities is scheduled to take place between January 13 and 21. Furthermore, the shutdown of Muan Airport has been extended until January 19 to facilitate these safety enhancements.
As South Korea moves forward with these critical safety improvements, passengers and travelers can anticipate a more secure and reliable aviation environment. These efforts reflect a broader commitment to preventing future accidents and safeguarding lives in the aviation industry.
Reference(s):
South Korea plans to overhaul airport structures after Jeju Air crash
cgtn.com
