South Korea to Revamp Airport Safety After Jeju Air Crash

SEOUL — Following the deadly Jeju Air crash on December 29 that killed 179 people, South Korean authorities have announced plans to overhaul safety measures at seven airports nationwide, including Muan and Jeju International airports.

The crash of the Boeing 737-800, which was carrying 181 passengers and crew, occurred when the plane belly-landed at Muan airport and exploded after slamming into a concrete barrier used for navigation. The tragic incident remains the deadliest aviation disaster in South Korea's history, with investigations ongoing.

In response, the Ministry of Land revealed that improvements are needed for the localiser barriers, which guide planes during landing. The new plan includes relocating the concrete structures underground and replacing them with lighter, breakable steel foundations. Muan airport will completely remove its existing barriers, and Jeju International Airport will also undergo similar changes.

Authorities are also investigating a possible bird strike, as feathers were found in the engines, and the pilot had warned of one before attempting the landing. The crash's investigation is complicated by the discovery that the black boxes stopped recording four minutes before the disaster.

The ministry has extended the closure of Muan airport until April 18 to allow for safety improvements and further investigation.