The government of South Korea has announced plans to remove hazardous structures near runways at seven of its 14 airports, as a result of the fatal Jeju Air crash.
According to the South Korean Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, immediate safety improvements will be carried out at the seven airports. The airports targetted include Muan International Airport in South Jeolla Province. This was the site of the tragic Jeju Air crash which became the deadliest aviation disaster in South Korea.
The move aims to enhance airport aviation safety and prevent future tragedies.
Removal of Unnecessary Wall Structures
The decision comes after a Jeju Air flight crashed at Muan International Airport, tragically claiming 179 lives.
The Jeju Air aircraft crash was tragically exacerbated by a concrete wall structure surrounding the localizer antenna array. Localizer antennae are crucial navigational aids situated along the extended runway centerline, providing pilots with precise guidance during landings.
However, the wall surrounding these vital antennae created an unnecessary and deadly obstacle. In the event of a runway overrun, as occurred in this instance, the aircraft will encounter this impenetrable barrier. The subsequent impact has the potential to lead to catastrophic consequences.

The presence of the solid wall significantly increased the severity of the impact and subsequent explosion. This highlighted a critical design flaw that ultimately contributed to the loss of life.
This incident highlighted the potential dangers posed by such structures during emergency landings.
The South Korean Ministry safety inspection revealed facilities at airports that have similar localizer surrounding structures. These would present similar risks in the event of an aircraft collision.
The seven airports affected by this safety initiative include:
- Muan International Airport
- Gwangju Airport
- Yeosu Airport
- Pohang Gyeongju Airport
- Gimhae International Airport
- Sacheon Airport
- Jeju Airport
These airports will undergo safety inspections to identify and remove hazardous structures, such as concrete mounds, foundations, and other obstacles that could pose risks to aircraft. The government has prioritized swift action to minimize the risk of future accidents.

Additional Safety Measures
In addition to removing hazardous structures, the South Korea government is implementing several other safety measures:
- Runway Safety Area Expansion: Airports with insufficient safety zones will expand these areas to provide more space for aircraft during emergencies.
- Engineered Material Arresting Systems (EMAS): In cases where adequate safety zones cannot be secured, airports may consider implementing EMAS, a system designed to safely stop aircraft that have overrun the runway.
- Review of Safety Standards: The government will review and revise safety standards for new airport projects, including the Gadeokdo New Airport and Jeju Second Airport, to incorporate lessons learned from the recent crash.

Looking Ahead
The public has largely welcomed the government’s decision to prioritize aviation safety. Many have expressed support for the removal of hazardous structures and the implementation of stricter safety measures.
The South Korean government’s commitment to enhancing aviation safety following the tragic Jeju Air crash is a significant step towards ensuring the continued safety of air travel in the country.
By removing hazardous structures and implementing comprehensive safety measures, the government aims to prevent future accidents and protect the lives of passengers and crew.

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