Photo = Yonhap news

 

[Alpha Biz= Kim Jisun] The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport (MOLIT) has defended the installation of the localizer (a navigation aid) at Muan International Airport, claiming it was built in compliance with regulations, despite ongoing concerns about the location and concrete structure of the facility.

In a briefing on the crash of a Jeju Air passenger plane at Muan Airport on December 29, 2024, which struck a concrete mound of the localizer, MOLIT reiterated its stance that the location of the localizer outside the required safety zone did not violate regulations. The localizer, an antenna that aids aircraft landing, was found to be located on a mound of concrete, and concerns arose that the mound contributed to the severity of the accident.

MOLIT’s aviation policy chief, Ju Jong-wan, said on Tuesday afternoon, “The localizer at Muan Airport was built according to regulations.” He emphasized that the airport’s safety zone was in accordance with domestic and international standards, citing the safety zone’s required 90 meters, which Muan Airport exceeded with a distance of 199 meters.

Despite maintaining its position on the localizer's location, MOLIT acknowledged the insufficient safety review regarding the localizer’s structure. Ju stated, "While there may not be any violations of regulations, it was lacking in terms of ensuring the safety of the facility. We will look for ways to improve this."

In 2020, Korea Airports Corporation initiated improvements to the localizer system at Muan Airport, and by last year, a 30 cm thick, 42-meter long, and 3.4-meter wide concrete slab was installed on the mound.

Although MOLIT had previously stated on December 30, 2024, that the mound was built in accordance with regulations, further criticisms emerged regarding its compatibility with other domestic guidelines. Following additional concerns, the ministry suspended its stance the next day.

MOLIT clarified that according to the "Aviation Obstacle Management Guidelines" under the Aviation Facilities Act, obstacles within the safety zone must be made of materials that break easily, but this only applies to obstacles within the designated safety zone. However, another guideline, the "Detailed Design Guidelines for Airport and Airfield Facilities," suggests that the safety zone should extend to areas where obstacles like the localizer are located, contributing to the controversy.

 

 

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