SEOUL, South Korea – South Korea has been grappling with an increasing number of drone-related incidents that have caused disruptions to flight operations over the past four years, according to a report by Yonhap News Agency.
From September 2020 to August 2024, a total of 122 incidents involving drones flying into restricted airspace and causing flight delays were recorded across the nation’s airports. This figure represents a significant portion of the total 506 drone incidents reported during the same period, with 24% of these incidents leading to disruptions in flight operations.
Among the disruptions, 84 instances resulted in delayed take-offs, accounting for 69% of the total disruptions. Additionally, 32 flights were temporarily halted (26%), 30 flights were rerouted (25%), and 8 flights were diverted (7%).
The number of drone incidents has shown a decreasing trend over the years, with 173 incidents recorded in 2021, 152 in 2022, 104 in 2023, and only 20 incidents recorded in the first eight months of 2024. Notably, all but one of the drone incidents over the past four years occurred at Incheon Airport.
In response to the growing problem, the government has been taking steps to address the issue. Since September 2020, surveillance systems for illegal drone operations have been established at Incheon Airport, Jeju Airport, and Gimpo Airport. Plans are in place to extend these systems to eight civil-military joint-use airports by the end of this year and to four civil airports by 2026.
The government’s efforts have not gone unnoticed. The decreasing number of drone incidents over the past few years can be attributed to the stricter enforcement of regulations and public awareness campaigns highlighting the dangers of drone misuse.
However, the problem remains a significant concern for aviation authorities. In recent months, there have been several high-profile incidents, including a suspected drone incident at Busan Gimhae Airport, which caused the temporary suspension of flight operations.
The Korean Defense Ministry has announced that it is deploying an integrated anti-drone system to address the growing threat. In addition, South Korea and the United States have conducted joint military exercises, including the Dongdaemun exercise, which focused on amphibious assault operations.
Despite the ongoing efforts to tackle the drone issue, there is still much work to be done. The government must continue to strengthen its surveillance systems, enforce existing regulations, and raise public awareness about the potential dangers of drone misuse.
The drone incidents have not only caused inconvenience to passengers and airlines but have also raised safety concerns. The potential for drones to interfere with flight operations and cause accidents is a significant threat that must be addressed promptly and effectively.
In conclusion, the increasing number of drone incidents in South Korea has highlighted the need for a comprehensive approach to address the issue. The government, aviation authorities, and the public must work together to ensure the safety and efficiency of air travel in the country.
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