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South Korea Plans Overhaul of Aviation Safety System After Recent Crashes and Fires

Published On Tue, 04 Feb 2025
Tanvi Bhattacharya
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South Korea is set to completely revamp its aviation safety system following two major air incidents just a month apart, the transport ministry announced on Tuesday (Feb 4). A new committee has been formed to enhance air travel safety and restore public trust. "The government will make a determined effort to rebuild the aviation safety system from the ground up," Deputy Minister of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport Baek Won-kuk stated, emphasizing that aviation safety must be a top priority.
The push for reform comes after the deadliest air disaster in South Korean history. On Dec 29, a Jeju Air plane crashed at Muan Airport, killing 179 of the 181 people on board. A preliminary investigation found duck remains in both engines, suggesting bird strikes may have contributed to the crash. Experts note that air accidents are usually caused by multiple factors. Just last week, an Air Busan plane caught fire at Busan's international airport as it was preparing for departure. Fortunately, all passengers and crew were evacuated safely. The fire was first noticed in an overhead luggage bin by a flight attendant.
Investigations into both incidents are still ongoing. The newly formed 10-week committee, which includes private sector experts, will examine various safety concerns, such as aircraft maintenance, budget airline operations, and airport infrastructure. In response to the Jeju Air crash, where the plane belly-landed before crashing into a concrete embankment past the runway, authorities have already committed to modifying similar structures at seven other airports across the country.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.