Balloons launched from North Korea have caused significant disruptions at Incheon and Gimpo airports. This year, operations at both airports have been suspended 20 times.
On Wednesday, Yang Bu Nam, a member of the National Assembly’s Administrative Safety Committee from the Democratic Party, disclosed the data obtained from the Seoul Regional Aviation Administration. As of the 23rd, operations at Incheon and Gimpo airports’ runways were interrupted 20 times for 413 minutes due to North Korea’s balloon releases.
Aviation authorities have been forced to pause operations whenever trash-filled balloons approach airports within a designated safety perimeter, prioritizing the security of passengers and air traffic.
The aviation authority suspended operations at Incheon Airport on June 1 at 10:48 p.m. for 54 minutes following the balloon releases from North Korea. As balloon releases continued the following day, the runway operations were limited twice for 37 minutes. On June 24, around 10 p.m., the runway at Incheon Airport was also shut down for 8 minutes after North Korea released its balloon.
The situation escalated on June 26, when Incheon Airport experienced its longest disruption of the year. At 1:46 a.m., operations were restricted eight times over 166 minutes due to multiple balloon releases.
Meanwhile, Gimpo Airport faced its first disruption on July 24, with three limitations on takeoffs and landings for a total of 58 minutes beginning at 5:22 p.m.
The most recent disruption was when five operational restrictions were implemented starting at 5:25 a.m., leading to a 90-minute suspension of airport activities.
In an interview with Yonhap News, Yang Bu Nam emphasized the severity of the issue. “The recurring airport disruptions due to balloon releases are causing significant damage. If these continue, the airport could be paralyzed, leading to substantial social and economic losses. The government must respond to ensure aviation safety,” he stated.
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