South Korean Airports to be Fitted with Bird Detection Radars After Jeju Air Crash

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - All South Korean airports were ordered to install bird-detection cameras and thermal imaging radars after the crash in December 2024. A total of 179 people were killed in South Korea's deadliest aviation incident when a plane skidded off the runway at Muan International Airport and crashed into a concrete barrier.

A preliminary investigation released last month confirmed that bird strikes played a role in the fatal crash. Feathers and blood stains from Baikal ducks, a migratory duck species, were found on both engines of the Boeing 737-800.

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MOLIT) has mandated airports to be equipped with at least one thermal imaging camera starting next year. Mobile sonic devices will also be used, especially to deal with medium-sized and large birds.

"Bird-detection radars will be installed at all airports to improve early detection of distant birds and enhance aircraft response capabilities," MOLIT said in a statement as reported by Channel News Asia on Thursday, February 6, 2025.

The radars will detect and convey the size and direction of birds to air traffic controllers and pilots.

Warning from the Control Tower

The Jeju Air flight pilot was advised by the control tower to be careful of bird activity shortly before reporting that the plane had hit a bird and issuing a mayday signal at 8:59 a.m.

Currently, only four South Korean airports – Incheon, Gimpo, Gimhae and Jeju Island – have thermal imaging cameras.

But starting this March, cameras will be installed at all 15 domestic airports. The cameras and radar are expected to be rolled out at airports by 2026, with mobile sonic devices also being introduced at flight centers to help deal with medium and large birds.

Enhancing Airport Safety

MOLIT announced measures to enhance airport safety in South Korea on Feb. 5. These include establishing enhanced bird collision prevention measures following an investigation into bird-attracting facilities around airports, such as food waste disposal facilities, between Jan. 20 and 23.

The ministry also said it would establish a legal basis for removing bird-attracting facilities, such as food waste processing facilities and orchards, from near airports, and impose new distance restrictions on such new facilities.

"The top priority is to establish comprehensive reform measures across aviation safety to prevent a repeat of a plane crash," said vice civil aviation minister Joo Jong-wan.

The investigation into the crash has become increasingly murky as the transport ministry said the black boxes that store flight data and cockpit voice recorders for the stopped recording four minutes before the disaster.

INDEPENDENT | CHANNEL NEWS ASIA

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