Korea to strengthen airport security to deter rise in accidents

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% 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% of air routes have resumed as of June compared to 15.54m in June of 2019. The ministry said security inspections will be expanded to include transfer areas, followed by strengthened in-flight security checks.<br/>