Seoul, South Korea – South Korea will mandate the installation of bird detection cameras and thermal imaging radars at all airports by 2026, following a tragic plane crash in December that claimed 179 lives.
The move comes after investigators found evidence of a bird strike on the Boeing 737-800 involved in the deadliest aviation disaster on South Korean soil. Last week, officials confirmed the presence of feathers and blood stains on both engines, suggesting a bird strike may have played a role in the crash.
New Safety Measures to Prevent Future Incidents
The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport announced Thursday that bird detection radars will be deployed at all airports to enhance early detection of bird activity, providing critical information to air traffic controllers.
“Bird detection radars will be installed at all airports to enhance early detection of distant birds and improve response capabilities for aircraft,” the ministry said in a statement.
Additionally, thermal imaging cameras will become mandatory at every airport. Currently, only four airports in South Korea are equipped with such technology, and it remains unclear whether any currently have bird detection radars.
The government will also relocate bird-attracting sites such as rubbish dumps away from airport zones to reduce the risk of bird strikes.
Crash Investigation Focuses on Bird Strike and Runway Hazards
The investigation into the December 29 crash is ongoing, with a particular focus on the bird strike and a concrete structure at the end of the runway that the aircraft slammed into after attempting an emergency landing.
Experts believe the number of casualties could have been significantly lower had the structure not been in place. In response, South Korea announced last month that seven airports would undergo modifications to improve runway safety areas.
Timeline of the Disaster
The ill-fated Jeju Air flight had taken off from Bangkok and was bound for Muan International Airport in southwestern South Korea.
- 08:57 AM local time: Air traffic control warned the pilots of bird activity near the airport.
- 08:59 AM: The pilot reported a bird strike and issued a mayday signal.
- Shortly after, the pilot attempted an emergency landing from the opposite direction, but the plane belly-landed without its landing gear deployed.
- The aircraft overran the runway and crashed into a concrete structure, leading to a devastating explosion.
A preliminary investigation revealed that the flight data and cockpit voice recorders stopped working four minutes before impact, leaving key questions unanswered.
Tragic Loss of Lives
The 179 victims included passengers aged between three and 78 years old, with most in their 40s, 50s, and 60s. Miraculously, two cabin crew members survived.
As South Korea tightens its aviation safety measures, the new regulations aim to prevent similar tragedies in the future and improve emergency response capabilities at airports nationwide.
