South Korea finds more problematic builds with Antennas

In the wake of the tragic Jeju Air Flight 2216 accident at Muan International Airport, which resulted in 179 fatalities, South Korea's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport conducted comprehensive inspections across the nation's major airports. These assessments revealed that six additional airports possess structures similar to the concrete wall involved in the Muan incident.

The structures in question are associated with Instrument Landing System (ILS) antennas, designed to aid aircraft during landing approaches. International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) guidelines recommend that any constructions within 300 meters of a runway threshold should be frangible—constructed from materials that break or deform upon impact—to minimize damage during accidents. However, the inspections identified that airports such as Gwangju, Yeosu, and Pohang-Gyeongju feature ILS antenna installations mounted on concrete hills. Additionally, Gimhae International Airport in Busan and Sacheon Airport have concrete bases that protrude above ground level, while Jeju International Airport utilizes robust steel H-beam structures for similar purposes.

In response to these findings, the South Korean government has mandated prompt corrective actions. Initial improvements are slated for completion by the end of January, with all necessary modifications expected to be finalized by the close of the year.

This initiative underscores the critical importance of adhering to international safety standards in airport infrastructure to prevent future tragedies. By replacing rigid structures with frangible materials, the potential severity of accidents can be significantly reduced, enhancing overall aviation safety.