A bill to strengthen management standards for hazardous facilities around runways was passed by the National Assembly following the passenger plane accident at Muan International Airport in December last year.
On the 4th, the National Assembly held a plenary session and voted on the amendment to the 'Airport Facilities Act.' The amendment clearly defines the weight, height, and material of obstacles such as air navigation safety facilities installed around runways in order to ensure safety. Previously, it was operated only as a recommendation according to notice, but the recent amendment has established legal binding power.
In particular, it has been mandated to install structures that could cause damage to airframes upon collision, such as the concrete material defense sector identified as one of the causes of the Muan Airport accident, using easily breakable materials in the future.
The legal amendment also includes measures to prevent bird strike incidents. Airports and airfields above a certain size must establish a 'Basic Plan for Bird Strike Prevention' every five years, and airport operators must develop and inspect annual bird strike risk management plans based on this.
In addition, a basis for the establishment and operation of a 'Bird Strike Prevention Committee' has been created to discuss matters related to bird strikes. Regarding avian attraction facilities or lands and buildings with risk factors around airports, the state or airport operators can negotiate with property owners for acquisition. Fines of up to 5 million won will be imposed for installing facilities that attract birds around the airport.
This amendment stipulates that the installation of facilities at airports and airfields must comply with the standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in the future. Additionally, information about the materials and locations of various facilities located around runways will be provided to airport operators and air transportation service providers to enhance operational safety.
The amended Airport Facilities Act is expected to take effect six months after the Cabinet's approval and promulgation process.