Ground handling workers at Gimpo Airport are facing a shortage of adequate rest facilities as runway surface temperatures soar above 50 degrees Celsius during the ongoing heatwave. There are calls to improve the working conditions for these employees, who must continue outdoor operations to ensure flight schedules.
On August 8, Labor Minister Kim Young-hoon made an unannounced visit to Gimpo Airport to assess the implementation of heat safety measures for ground handling workers. This inspection coincided with the activation of the second phase of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters due to increased airport traffic during the summer vacation season.
Ground handling workers primarily perform tasks such as guiding and towing aircraft, as well as loading and unloading baggage and cargo outdoors. The airport's parking area is particularly vulnerable to heat, lacking shade and exacerbated by radiant heat from aircraft and the ground. Recently, runway surface temperatures at Gimpo Airport have exceeded 50 degrees Celsius.
During his visit, Minister Kim inspected the parking area, baggage handling facilities, and rest areas for ground handling staff. He checked whether the workers were measuring and recording the perceived temperature, adjusting work hours based on it, and providing adequate breaks. He also reviewed the operation of cooling facilities, the availability of cold water and cooling packs, and the emergency response protocols for suspected heat-related illnesses, including the 119 emergency call system.
The inspection revealed that while some cooling facilities and cold water were available, the distribution of work areas across the large parking lot meant that there were insufficient rest facilities close to the workers' tasks. Some rest areas were either too far from the work zones or had limited capacity, making it difficult for workers to take adequate breaks during peak arrival and departure times.
This issue of inadequate rest facilities is not new. The Ministry of Labor has been discussing plans to expand rest facilities with the Korea Airports Corporation, airlines, and ground handling companies, but progress has been slow due to differences in opinions regarding installation locations, costs, and management responsibilities.
Following the inspection, Minister Kim directed relevant agencies, including the Korea Airports Corporation, to clearly define their roles and expedite the joint expansion of rest facilities.
In response, the Korea Airports Corporation will support the installation locations and infrastructure, while airlines and ground handling companies will share the costs and management plans to develop a concrete implementation strategy promptly.
Minister Kim emphasized, "Rest facilities must not only be installed but also be accessible for workers to use quickly when needed, especially during heatwaves, allowing them to stop work and lower their body temperature." He added, "Given the unique nature of ground handling, which requires continuous operations for safe flight, it is essential to establish more comprehensive personnel and rest measures to protect workers as temperatures rise."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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