New aviation safety regulations have come into force, aiming to enhance safety standards and operational procedures within the airline industry. Airlines involved in fatal accidents will now be barred from launching new routes for a period of one year, with provisions for extensions if serious incidents occur during that time.
The regulations, announced four months after a deadly crash involving Jeju Air last December, include stricter route approval processes. Applicants seeking to introduce new routes must undergo comprehensive safety evaluations, with particular emphasis on safety and security metrics. The evaluation now assigns a higher weight to these criteria, reflecting the government’s commitment to aviation safety.
Procedures for approving new and charter routes have also been tightened, with safety reviews now conducted at earlier stages. Additionally, the review process has expanded to include seasonal route adjustments, ensuring airlines have sufficient staffing to handle full seasonal schedules. Officials from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport state that these measures are expected to significantly bolster the industry's safety capabilities and reduce future risks.
The revised rules form part of broader efforts to prevent aviation accidents and promote industry-wide safety improvements. They emphasize accountability and rigorous safety standards, thus contributing to a safer air travel environment for passengers and stakeholders.
