South Korea will replace concrete barriers used for navigation at seven airports following a plane crash in December that resulted in 179 fatalities. The crash, involving a Jeju Air flight returning from Thailand, occurred at Muan airport when the aircraft hit a concrete barrier during an emergency landing.
- South Korea to change airport concrete barriers.
- Review of runway safety areas initiated.
- Jeju Air flight crashed after emergency landing.
- Concrete barriers contributed to high casualties.
- Safety inspectors identified nine systems for alteration.
- Investigators examining cause of the crash.
The December plane crash at Muan International Airport is the deadliest in South Korea’s history. The Boeing B737-800 was carrying 179 passengers and crew when it attempted an emergency landing. Initial reports indicated that the aircraft struck a concrete barrier at the end of the runway, leading to a fire and subsequent fatalities. The cause of the crash remains under investigation, but experts suggest that the presence of the concrete structure significantly increased the number of casualties.
In response to the crash, South Korea’s transport ministry has identified nine navigation systems that require modification. These systems, which assist aircraft during landing, are located at various airports, including Muan and Jeju International Airport. The ministry plans to replace the existing concrete bases with lighter materials or bury them underground to reduce risks. Additionally, Muan airport’s current concrete mounds will be entirely removed, and the localiser system will be reinstalled using breakable structures.
Investigators have also noted that the runway safety areas at seven airports are shorter than the recommended length of 240 meters. The runway safety area at Muan airport was approximately 200 meters long, which does not meet safety standards. These areas are designed to minimize damage to aircraft that may overshoot or veer off the runway. Following the crash, it was revealed that an operating manual had previously indicated the concrete embankment was too close to the runway’s end.
As the investigation continues, safety officials are focused on ensuring that the necessary changes are implemented to prevent future incidents. The tragic event has prompted a nationwide review of airport safety measures, emphasizing the importance of frangible structures near runways to enhance aircraft safety.
The planned removal of concrete barriers at South Korean airports highlights the ongoing commitment to aviation safety following the tragic December crash. Authorities are taking significant steps to enhance runway safety and prevent similar accidents in the future.
