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Korea to strengthen airport security to deter rise in accidents
A message on a screen informs travelers of strengthened security inspections at Incheon International Airport, May 28. Yonhap
By Lee Kyung-min
Gov't to expand inspection zones, strengthen personnel training
By Lee Kyung-min
The government will tighten the monitoring of airport transfer areas, terminals and aircraft hangars to fortify security, in a gradual effort to reduce aviation security accidents by 50 percent by 2027, the transport ministry said Monday.
Also being strengthened are in-depth security management education and hands-on training programs for aviation security professionals, and international cooperation with aviation safety bodies.
The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport announced the measures to reduce the rising number of in-flight and on-site accidents at airports amid a resumption of flight routes around the world.
The discoveries of a number of hazardous items, including bullets and knives carried by passengers, have inched up over the past few years, as well as cases of individuals scheduled to be deported fleeing from custody. Also, a drone crashed into a local airport, while an unruly passenger opened the emergency door of an airplane before it landed. Other concerning incidents were reports of airport authorities being unaware of safety inspection devices malfunctioning and flight personnel manipulating duty logs.
The number of such incidents soared to 252 as of June, up from 85 in 2021. About 79 percent of air routes have resumed as of June compared to 15.54 million in June of 2019.
The ministry said security inspections will be expanded to include transfer areas, followed by strengthened in-flight security checks.
In-flight security inspections on airplanes bound for the U.S., for example, will be overseen by a professional firm hired by American authorities.
The hours of safety training for all flight crew will be increased, while one of them will function as a safety officer to detect suspicious passengers.
The government will install high-tech equipment, including 3D X-rays, to detect explosives. An identification system using facial and handprint-recognition technology will be used at airports.
The accountability of small partner security firms hired by local and international airports will be strengthened, as outlined by protocols screened regularly by airport operators.
The government will also strengthen cooperation in airport inspections. Joint unannounced inspections at airports will be handled by a team of Korean and U.S. authorities.
Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Won Hee-ryong said the government will continue efforts to ensure safe air travel.
“We will implement the measures in the next five years, as underpinned by an overall strengthening of inspection protocols as well as education and training of airport authorities and flight crews,” he said at the Seoul Government Complex in Gwanghwamun.