South Korea’s transport ministry has announced that it will remove a concrete embankment at Muan International Airport following last month’s deadly Jeju Air crash, the nation’s deadliest domestic air disaster.
The embankment, which supported navigation antennas at the end of the runway, is believed to have contributed to the severity of the crash, which killed 179 people. Only two crew members, seated at the rear of the Boeing 737-800, survived.
The crash of Jeju Air flight 7C2216 on December 29, 2024, occurred when the aircraft, which had reportedly been affected by bird strikes, slammed into the embankment after landing at high speed without its landing gear down. The aircraft exploded on impact, skidding past the end of the runway.
In its investigation, the ministry cited the embankment’s role in making the disaster more deadly than it might have been otherwise.
As part of its response, authorities said they would review and adjust similar structures housing Instrument Landing Systems (ILS) – or “localisers” – at seven airports, including Muan and Jeju International Airport.
These adjustments aim to ensure that the antennas, which guide aircraft during landings, are located in safer, more secure areas.
“Muan International Airport plans to completely remove the existing concrete embankment and reinstall the localiser in a more fragile structure,” the transport ministry said in a statement.
The ministry also revealed plans to extend post-runway safety zones at airports across the country, which have been criticised for failing to meet international safety standards.
The safety zones, now mandated to be at least 240 meters long, will help reduce the risk of similar accidents in the future. Prior to the crash, the safety area at Muan airport was only about 200 meters.
In the aftermath of the crash, police also revealed that Son Chang-wan, the former president of the Korea Airports Corporation, who oversaw the renovation of Muan airport’s structure, was found dead in his home on Tuesday in an apparent suicide.
Although Son was not under investigation in connection with the crash, authorities confirmed he had not been summoned for questioning.
As part of the ongoing recovery efforts, Muan airport’s closure has been extended until April 18, the transport ministry confirmed on Saturday.
Boluwatife Enome
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