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Photo = Yonhap news |
[Alpha Biz= Paul Lee] South Korea Announces Aviation Safety Overhaul Following Recent Accidents
Seoul, April 30, 2025 — The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MOLIT) today unveiled a comprehensive aviation safety reform plan aimed at enhancing oversight, strengthening airline accountability, and improving airport infrastructure.
A key measure includes a one-year suspension of route allocations for any airline involved in a fatal accident. In contrast, airlines demonstrating proactive safety efforts will receive incentives and favorable evaluations in future route assignment processes.
Other core initiatives include:
Introduction of a Safety Performance Index for airlines, monitoring incidents such as runway excursions, mid-flight engine failures, and emergency returns.
Increased capital requirements for new airline licenses (KRW 15 billion for international, KRW 5 billion for domestic carriers).
Mandatory safety investment disclosures and incentives for well-performing airlines.
Extended maintenance hours and stricter criteria for certified maintenance personnel.
Enhanced fatigue management systems for pilots and cabin crew, with “cabin safety crew” training upgrades.
Reinforced overseas maintenance operations for frequently serviced international routes.
Stronger government oversight, including more frequent AOC re-certifications and an expanded aviation inspector workforce.
Upgrades to airport safety infrastructure, including the installation of EMAS (Engineered Materials Arresting Systems) at select regional airports and the replacement of hazardous navigational aids.
These measures follow a series of recent safety incidents and reflect the government’s commitment to international aviation safety standards.
AlphaBIZ Paul Lee(hoondork1977@alphabiz.co.kr)
