South Korea‘s transport ministry announced Monday a comprehensive safety reform initiative across its aviation sector, prompted by last month’s devastating Jeju Air crash that claimed 179 lives at Muan International Airport.
The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport will conduct thorough inspections of all airports nationwide by January 24, with particular attention to structures that could compromise flight safety.
The announcement comes in direct response to the December 29 accident, where Jeju Air flight 7C-2216 collided with a concrete localizer housing structure during an emergency landing attempt.
The ministry acknowledged that similar structures exist at three other airports in Korea. These concrete installations, including the 2-meter-high structure at Muan that contributed to the crash’s severity, will be either removed or rebuilt to enhance runway safety areas.
The reform package extends beyond physical infrastructure. According to the ministry, 18 air traffic control facilities will undergo detailed safety audits by month’s end, examining potential risks including staffing adequacy.
Airlines, particularly low-cost carriers, will face renewed scrutiny of their maintenance practices and safety protocol compliance.
The Jeju Air accident, which stands as South Korea’s deadliest aviation disaster since 1997, began with a suspected bird strike that reportedly affected the aircraft’s hydraulic system.
The Boeing 737-8AS, carrying 181 occupants, attempted an emergency landing without properly deployed landing gear before overrunning the runway and colliding with the concrete structure.
Industry experts have criticized the presence of rigid barriers within runway safety areas, noting their conflict with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) recommendations for a 240-meter obstacle-free zone beyond runway ends.
The ministry plans to unveil a comprehensive aviation safety innovation plan by April, developed in consultation with private sector experts. This initiative represents part of a broader transportation safety overhaul that includes enhanced safety measures for electric vehicles, railways, and road infrastructure.
The Jeju Air crash marks the airline’s first fatal accident since its founding in 2005, with only two survivors among the 181 people aboard. As investigations continue, the loss of black box data approximately four minutes before impact has complicated efforts to fully understand the accident’s circumstances.
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