Government: "Concrete Dun-deok" Localizer to be Improved Within This Year

Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters Meeting on Jeju Air Passenger Plane Accident
Additional Comprehensive Safety Inspections to be Conducted at Airports Nationwide

The government has decided to improve the azimuth facilities (localizers) at seven airports equipped with concrete berms that are not easily broken within this year.

Lee Han-kyung, Director of the Disaster Safety Management Headquarters at the Ministry of the Interior and Safety (Second Chief Coordinator of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters), presided over the 18th meeting of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters regarding the Jeju Air passenger plane accident on the morning of the 15th, where this matter was discussed.

Yonhap News

The government aims to promptly prepare improvement measures for the localizers at the seven airports with concrete berms and implement improvements within the year. The airports with concrete berms are ▲Gwangju Airport ▲Yeosu Airport ▲Pohang·Gyeongju Airport ▲Muan Airport, totaling four locations. There are two locations with concrete foundations at Gimhae International Airport and two at Sacheon Airport. Additionally, Jeju International Airport has localizers installed with H-shaped steel frame structures.

Director Lee emphasized, "Furthermore, we will conduct more precise diagnostics on all aircraft models of all airlines and additionally carry out comprehensive safety inspections of major airport facilities nationwide."

The government plans to recover all wreckage of the accident aircraft by today. In collaboration with the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), they are meticulously analyzing flight data recorder (FDR) data, air traffic control radar data, and CCTV footage around the airport. The runway at Muan Airport will remain temporarily closed until the on-site investigation is fully completed.

Police investigations are underway regarding posts and comments that defame the honor of the bereaved families. Director Lee stated, "The National Police Agency’s Criminal Investigation Headquarters has arrested five suspects as of yesterday and identified 26 suspects, accelerating the investigation. As expressed by the bereaved families’ representatives at the National Assembly yesterday, we ask that acts which add wounds to the great pain that even makes one forget the passage of time be refrained from. The government will respond strictly according to the law without leniency."

According to the wishes of the bereaved families, a joint memorial service will be held on the 18th. Detailed plans, including clearing the second-floor shelter at Muan Airport, are being discussed. Even after the joint memorial service, a separate space for communication among the bereaved families is being arranged in consultation with related agencies.

Director Lee said, "The government will actively reflect the opinions of the bereaved families," adding, "In particular, at every stage of the accident cause investigation, the results will be transparently disclosed to the bereaved families, and their opinions will be fully heard."