Inside Gimpo airport's control tower, nervous excitement fills the air
An air traffic controller operates an air traffic communication system at Gimpo International Airport's control tower, Tuesday. Courtesy of Korea Airports Corp.Air traffic controllers busier as international travel resumes By Lee Hae-rinDistractions are not allowed for air traffic controllers, as one tiny mistake can lead to catastrophe. The safety of passengers and crew members of flights flying in and out of Gimpo International Airport hinges on them. Due to the pressure, they are attentive all the time. Strangely, however, few of them say they are stressed out. Their intense concentration while on duty pays off as they are given an extra perk: they feel an immense thrill when things go well. “As air traffic controllers, we see hundreds of aircraft flying in and out every day, but we never get bored,” Do Jin-yeol, the general manager of apron control management at Korea Airports Corp. (KAC) said at the control tower, Tuesday. “It still gives us a thrill, especially on days with a beautiful sunset.”Forty meters off the ground, the control tower has a panorami
Jun 15, 2022By Lee Hae-rin