In the wake of December’s tragic plane crash that claimed 179 lives, South Korea is implementing sweeping changes to enhance airport safety. The crash, the deadliest in the nation’s history, involved a Jeju Air flight returning from Thailand that exploded after striking a concrete barrier during an emergency landing at Muan International Airport.
The crash has brought intense scrutiny to the presence of concrete structures near runways. These barriers, housing navigation systems known as localizers, are designed to assist aircraft landings but have now been deemed hazardous. Safety experts have argued that the casualties might have been significantly reduced if the structures had been designed to break upon impact.
Following a comprehensive review, South Korea’s transport ministry has identified nine airports where these systems require changes, including Jeju International Airport, the country’s second-largest. Plans are underway to either replace the concrete bases with lighter, breakable structures or bury them underground. At Muan Airport, the concrete embankments will be removed entirely, with localizers reinstalled using more safety-conscious designs.
The investigation also revealed that runway safety areas at seven airports, including Muan, are shorter than the recommended 240 meters (787 feet). At Muan, the safety area was only 200 meters long, increasing the risk of severe damage in emergencies. Authorities have announced plans to extend these safety zones to meet international standards.
Adding to the concerns, a manual from Muan Airport, published in early 2024, had already flagged the proximity of the concrete barriers to the runway. It recommended a review of the equipment’s placement as part of planned airport expansions.
Experts have emphasized the importance of frangible structures—obstacles designed to break upon impact—in runway safety. “Obstacles within a certain range of the runway must be frangible to minimize damage,” said Chris Kingswood, a pilot with nearly five decades of experience.
The December crash occurred after the aircraft’s landing gear failed to deploy during a second landing attempt. Investigators are still probing the exact cause, with potential factors including a bird strike, which the pilot reported before the crash. Alarmingly, the plane’s black boxes stopped recording four minutes before the disaster, leaving critical questions unanswered.
These reforms aim to prevent such tragedies from recurring while spotlighting the critical need for adherence to international safety standards.
Photo: BBC
