Following a December plane crash that killed 179, South Korea is moving towards enhanced safety measures by requiring all airports to install bird detection cameras and thermal imaging radars by 2026.
South Korea Implements Bird Detection Technology in Airports
South Korea Implements Bird Detection Technology in Airports
In response to a tragic aviation accident, South Korea mandates advanced bird detection systems across all airports.
In light of a catastrophic airline accident in December that resulted in the loss of 179 lives, South Korea has announced plans for all its airports to implement bird detection cameras and thermal imaging radars by 2026. The decision follows an investigation that uncovered signs of a bird strike on the ill-fated Boeing 737-800, including feathers and blood found on the aircraft's engines.
This incident marks the most devastating airline disaster in South Korean history, and the ongoing investigation will scrutinize the impact of the bird strike, as well as the concrete structure that the plane collided with during its emergency landing. The Ministry of Land stated on Thursday that the introduction of bird detection radars will enable better early identification of birds in the vicinity and enhance the response measures available to air traffic control. These systems will have the capability to track birds' sizes and movement patterns, relaying vital information that could prevent future strikes.
Currently, only four airports in South Korea have thermal imaging cameras, and the ministry plans to require at least one thermal camera be installed at every airport. Additionally, they intend to relocate sites that attract birds, such as landfills, away from airport perimeters.
This announcement follows a prior review of airport safety that prompted runway enhancements at seven airports throughout the country. While the exact cause of December's crash is still under investigation, aviation safety specialists have indicated that if not for the concrete structure the aircraft struck, fatalities might have been significantly lower.
On December 29, the flight from budget airline Jeju Air was en route from Bangkok to Muan International Airport when it encountered critical bird activity reported by the control tower shortly after takeoff. The aircraft suffered a bird strike just moments later, leading the pilots to declare a mayday and attempt a belly landing, ultimately resulting in the tragic incident. Analysis of flight data and cockpit recordings revealed a malfunction, stopping data capture four minutes prior to the crash, further complicating the investigation.
Among those aboard, passengers aged three to 78 were present, predominantly falling between their 40s to 60s. The only survivors were two crew members. As the investigation unfolds, South Korea is proactively taking steps to ensure the safety of future air travel through these technological advancements.
