Rep. Jeon Yong-ki of the Democratic Party raised concerns about discrepancies between bird strike prevention measures and migratory bird habitat policies during a National Assembly audit on October 22.
During the audit of Incheon International Airport Corporation and Korea Airports Corporation, Jeon discussed follow-up measures after the passenger plane incident at Muan Airport, highlighting issues related to bird management around the airport.
He explained that there are ecological parks near regional airports like Muan Airport where migratory birds can rest. While the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport is pursuing measures to prevent bird strikes around airports, environmental authorities are creating environments conducive to migratory birds resting or visiting.
The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport previously announced in April of last year its 'Aviation Safety Innovation Plan,' which includes forming a cooperative body with local governments, regional aviation offices, and airport corporations, and considering designating a 13-kilometer radius around airports as a bird attraction facility management zone.
Jeon stated, "The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport talks about eliminating birds, while the Ministry of Environment is saying it will create environments for birds to rest or for migratory birds to come. The biggest issue is the discrepancies between the agencies."
Korea Airports Corporation acknowledged, "It is inevitable that the two agencies will clash over environmental and development issues." However, they added, "While it is reasonable to argue that Muan Airport should be protected from an environmental perspective, given its experience with a passenger plane incident, that aspect should be managed particularly carefully."
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.