Pilots demand removal of localizer mounds, but demolition lags
Officials conduct an inspection of the localizer at Muan International Airport on Feb. 26. Yonhap
Pilots are calling for the immediate removal of concrete mounds supporting localizer systems at several airports, after a localizer mound at Muan International Airport was identified as a key factor in a December Jeju Air crash that killed 179 people.
Authorities, however, say demolition is unlikely to begin until later this year.
The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport and Korea Airports Corporation said Monday that they are preparing demolition and redesign work for localizer foundations at seven airports nationwide.
Localizers are key navigation systems that guide aircraft to land along the runway centerline using radio signals. Because of their position near runways, they are required to be easily collapsible in case of impact.
However, inspections launched after the Jeju Air crash revealed that some airports had improperly reinforced installations. At the Muan, Gwangju, Yeosu and Pohang Gyeongju airports, localizers were placed atop concrete mounds.
At Gimhae and Sacheon airports, they were mounted directly on concrete platforms, and Jeju International Airport’s localizer was installed on an H-beam steel structure.
Authorities plan to complete detailed design plans for Jeju’s localizer by May 30 and for the other six airports by June 11. Demolition work is expected to begin after that, though officials said delays are possible.
Disagreements remain over who should cover the cost of removal and repairs, and some families of those killed in the Jeju Air crash have requested that the Muan Airport debris be preserved.
Meanwhile, pilots are calling for immediate action. The Korean Pilots’ Labor Union Federation released a statement criticizing the delay.
“We have repeatedly urged authorities to immediately dismantle the concrete mounds that directly contributed to the crash and rebuild them later,” the union said. “More than 100 days have passed, yet the government continues to cite budget and procedural issues as excuses. All seven localizers should be removed immediately and simultaneously.”
Jang Jeong-hee, a current pilot and external affairs director at the union, said pilots remain anxious.
“Even without the localizer, it’s still possible to ensure safe takeoffs and landings using alternative systems and equipment. For the sake of preventing another tragedy, the structures must be taken down now,” he said.
“The exact demolition schedule will depend on the completion of the design plans," a Korea Airports Corporation official said. "But we remain committed to completing removal and replacement work at all seven airports, starting with Muan, by the end of the year.”
This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI and edited by The Korea Times.