South Korea rebuilds its aviation safety system following tragic incidents

The South Korean transport ministry announced on Tuesday that the country’s aviation safety system will be rebuilt from scratch. The action comes after two serious plane crashes in a single month.

Korean Infrastructure and Transportation

“In order to restore confidence in the national aviation safety system, the government will make every effort to rebuild it from scratch,” said Baek Won-kuk, Vice Minister of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport. He also highlighted that aviation safety is the government’s number one concern.

The most deadly air crash in Korean history

The deadliest air accident in South Korean history happened on December 29, 2024, when a Jeju Air low-cost airliner went off the runway and crashed into a concrete embankment at Muan International Airport, killing 179 out of 181 passengers and crew.

According to preliminary inquiry reports, bird remains were recovered in both engines, indicating that the jet may have collided with a bird prior to the crash. According to experts, air crashes are generally the result of a mix of causes.

Less than a month later, an Air Busan plane caught fire at Busan International Airport as it prepared to take off. Fortunately, all passengers and crew were successfully evacuated.

According to Air Busan, the fire began in the overhead luggage compartment at the back of the plane and was noticed by a flight attendant. Investigations into the causes of these occurrences are currently ongoing.

South Korea established a maintenance committee

South Korea has established a 10-week committee comprised of private-sector specialists. The group will focus on maintenance difficulties, low-cost carrier aircraft usage rates, and airport construction and operations.

In reaction to the Jeju Air tragedy, authorities announced plans to upgrade the concrete buildings that support navigation equipment at seven airports around the country. Earlier, the Jeju Air plane belly-landed and slammed into a concrete barrier at Muan Airport, resulting in the catastrophe.

Low-cost airlines have been increasingly popular in South Korea, particularly for internal and regional travel. However, high flight frequencies and cheap maintenance costs raise safety concerns.

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