Firefighters remove tarpaulin sheets covering the debris of a Jeju Air passenger plane at Muan International Airport, southwestern South Korea, on Jan. 13, 2025, following its crash on Dec. 29, 2024. The government is planning to install thermal cameras at airports to prevent bird strikes following the deadly incident last year. (Yonhap)
SEOUL – The South Korean government said Thursday it would deploy thermal imaging cameras and bird detection radar systems at all domestic airports to prevent airplane bird strikes following last month’s deadly Jeju Air crash.
The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport reported a comprehensive aviation safety improvement plan to a National Assembly special committee, outlining new measures to prevent future bird strike incidents at airports.
Currently, only four airports in Incheon, Gimpo, Gimhae and Jeju Island have thermal imaging cameras for bird detection.
The government plans to install at least one camera at all 15 domestic airports, with procurement set to begin in March.
Also, the use of vehicle-mounted acoustic deterrent devices, which emit sounds and ultrasonic waves to scare away birds, will be expanded.
These devices are currently only available at Incheon and Jeju, but more will be deployed throughout the year.
Furthermore, the ministry said it plans to increase the number of personnel dedicated to bird strike prevention at airports. (Yonhap)
