• South Korea will enhance localizer structures at airports following the December Jeju Air crash.
• The Muan International Airport shutdown has been extended until January 19 as investigations continue.
• Safety inspections revealed violations among airlines operating the Boeing 737-800.
• Improvements to airport infrastructure are targeted for completion by the end of 2025.
• A special safety inspection of major airport facilities will occur from January 13-21.

In light of the tragic Jeju Air accident that occurred on December 29, wherein a Boeing 737-800 jet skidded off the runway and caught fire, South Korea's government has committed to enhancing airport safety measures. The Reuters reported that the Ministry of Transport plans to overhaul the localizer systems—structures housing the antennas that guide aircraft during landings—this year.

Previously found to be flawed, these structures will see improvements across seven domestic airports including Muan, where the crash occurred, as well as at international airports in Jeju and Gimhae. A thorough safety inspection revealed that some existing concrete and steel foundations were inadequate and posed risks, necessitating immediate action. The government aims to finalize plans and initiate upgrades by the end of January and complete all enhancements by the end of 2025, as stated by the Ministry of Transport.

Additionally, the ongoing inquiry into the crash has resulted in a shutdown extension of Muan International Airport until January 19, during which further investigations will take place. The South China Morning Post highlighted that both South Korean and U.S. investigators are probing the incident, with questions arising about the positioning of concrete barricades at the runway's end.

Inspections conducted across six domestic airlines have revealed several regulatory violations pertaining to aircraft inspections and procedures, prompting scrutiny on those operating the Boeing 737-800 model. The Ministry did not clarify if Jeju Air was involved in any reported violations. To enhance airport safety further, a comprehensive inspection of major facilities is scheduled from January 13-21. The crash, which resulted in the loss of 179 lives, has led to national mourning and significant public attention on aviation safety protocols.

As the investigation continues, improvements to airport infrastructure are seen as vital to preventing further tragedies in the aviation sector.

For more details on the incident and the government's response, refer to the original articles from Reuters and South China Morning Post.