SEOUL, Sept 25 – Since June, South Korea has repeatedly been forced to close runways at the capital’s two main airports due to balloons carrying trash launched by North Korea, according to a South Korean lawmaker on Wednesday, citing aviation data.
Runways at Incheon and Gimpo airports were closed for takeoffs or landings on 20 different days since June 1 when balloons were detected nearby, said Democratic Party parliamentarian Yang Bu-nam in a statement. The closures totaled 413 minutes.
North Korea has launched over 5,500 trash-laden balloons since late May, in response to propaganda leaflets sent by South Korean activists.
Carried by the wind, some balloons landed in the South, including near the presidential office and on airport runways. Although most were safely removed, some caused disruptions to airport operations and triggered small fires.
On June 26, Incheon airport experienced the longest disruption, with runways closed for a total of 166 minutes in one day, according to aviation data from Yang’s office. On Monday, takeoffs and landings at Incheon—one of the world’s busiest airports—were halted for 90 minutes. Gimpo airport, primarily serving domestic flights, has also been affected.
An airline official noted that the North Korean balloon launches have complicated flight operations, requiring some planes to carry extra fuel to accommodate delays or potential diversions.
An aviation authority official explained that runway closures are determined each time a balloon is detected, considering specific conditions rather than proximity alone. South Korea’s military tracks the balloons from launch but has refrained from shooting them down due to safety concerns, despite calls from some MPs and civic groups. On Monday, the military warned it was prepared to take “stern military action” if the North crossed a critical line but did not provide further details.”
