South Korea Airport Ignored Bird Strike Warnings Before Deadly Crash

Ten days prior to South Korea's deadliest air crash, a bird strike prevention committee meeting at Muan International Airport highlighted a worrying increase in bird strike incidents. Officials expressed concern about large flocks of birds near the coastline, with one noting insufficient personnel and ineffective loudspeakers meant to deter them. On December 29, 2024, Jeju Air Flight 2216 encountered a bird strike during its descent, leading to a crash that killed 179 of the 181 people on board. The South Korean transport ministry confirmed that bird feathers and blood from a Baikal teal were found in both engines of the aircraft. Despite previous warnings about bird hazards dating back decades, airport operators have struggled to implement effective measures. Investigations into the crash's cause are ongoing, though the role of bird strikes remains under scrutiny.