Long-term Closure of Muan Airport... Kang Gijung Says "Temporary International Flights at Gwangju Airport Are Needed"

Calling for Improved Air Access Before Reopening
Demanding Domestic Links to Incheon Airport and Decisive Government Action

As the reopening of Muan International Airport continues to be delayed, Gwangju Mayor Kang Gijung once again stressed the need for temporary international flights at Gwangju Airport until the reopening, as well as the need to improve access to airports in other regions. He cited the prolonged shutdown of air routes following the aircraft accident at Muan International Airport and the resulting ongoing damage to local residents' air travel convenience and the tourism industry.

Kang Gijung, Mayor of Gwangju, is holding a press briefing in the press room of Gwangju City Hall on the 26th regarding the reopening of Muan International Airport and the temporary commencement of international flights at Gwangju Airport, and is speaking.

Mayor Kang stated this at a press briefing held in the Gwangju City Hall press room in Seo-gu, Gwangju, on the afternoon of the 26th, saying, "Since the aircraft accident at Muan International Airport on December 29, 2024, the air routes have been closed for more than a year due to the investigation into the cause and the subsequent response."

Mayor Kang said, "The air routes to and from Gwangju and South Jeolla Province have effectively been cut off, resulting in sales losses of several hundred billion won for the tourism industry, and those working in related sectors have been hit so hard that they now have to worry about their very survival," and added, "Above all, the air travel convenience of local residents has been severely undermined, and this secondary damage in the aftermath of the disaster continues."

He went on to say, "Immediately after the disaster, the Gwangju Metropolitan Government officially proposed to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport in April and November last year that, if Muan International Airport could not be reopened quickly, international flights should temporarily operate out of Gwangju Airport until the reopening," and explained, "However, even now, the ministry has failed to come up with any practical measures."

He also said, "At the National Tourism Strategy Meeting on the 25th, President Lee Jaemyung pointed out, 'Muan International Airport must be reopened quickly; it cannot be kept closed indefinitely,'" and added, "It is time for the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport to take concrete action."

Mayor Kang then called for the operation of domestic routes and temporary international routes that would allow the use of airports in other regions, on the condition that Muan International Airport will be reopened. In particular, he emphasized, "The government must present preemptive measures that the bereaved families can trust and swiftly reopen Muan International Airport in time for the launch of the integrated special city," and added, "Until the reopening, domestic flights between Gwangju Airport and Incheon International Airport must be actively pursued to improve air access for local residents and tourists visiting Gwangju and South Jeolla Province."

He further stated, "If it takes a long time to reopen Muan International Airport, I hope that temporary international flights at Gwangju Airport will be actively considered until operations are normalized," and added, "The Gwangju Metropolitan Government is ready to immediately begin the necessary administrative support and consultations as soon as the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport makes a decision."

He also urged, "Gwangju Airport operated international flights until 2007, and if the current facilities and personnel of Muan International Airport are temporarily used, international flights could begin operating within six months," and added, "I ask that the necessary steps be taken so that residents of the city and province and those in the tourism industry can use international flights out of Gwangju during the winter season."