South Korea is implementing new safety measures aimed at preventing similar tragedies. The Ministry of Land has announced that by 2026, all airports in the country will be required to install bird detection cameras and thermal imaging radars, a crucial step to enhance safety in the aviation sector.
The crash, which occurred on December 29, involved a Boeing 737-800 operated by budget airline Jeju Air. The plane, which had taken off from Bangkok, was en route to Muan International Airport in the southwest of South Korea. Just minutes before the crash, the control tower warned the crew of potential “bird activity” near the runway. At 08:59 local time, the pilot reported a bird strike and declared a mayday signal. Despite efforts to land the plane safely, it belly-landed without its landing gear deployed and ran off the runway, colliding with a concrete structure. This impact caused an explosion, claiming the lives of 179 passengers and crew members.
Investigation findings revealed the bird strike was a significant factor in the crash, with blood and feathers discovered on both of the plane’s engines. While the investigation continues, the focus is also on the concrete structure that the plane struck after its emergency landing. Air safety experts have suggested that the number of casualties could have been much lower had the structure not been present.
As part of the new measures, the Ministry of Land stated that bird detection radar will be deployed at all airports to improve early detection of birds and assist air traffic controllers in managing potential risks. The radar will detect the size and movement of birds, relaying the information to controllers to ensure timely responses. Additionally, all airports will be required to install at least one thermal imaging camera, which can help detect the presence of birds in the vicinity, especially during low-visibility conditions. Currently, only four airports in South Korea are equipped with these thermal imaging cameras.
Furthermore, the government will relocate sites that attract birds, such as rubbish dumps, away from airports to minimize the risks posed by bird strikes.
The rollout of these new technologies aims to prevent further tragedies, emphasizing early detection and effective response. As the investigation into the deadly crash continues, these measures reflect South Korea’s commitment to improving aviation safety and protecting the lives of passengers and crew members.
