Lee Yoon-sang, the head of the construction project for the Gadeokdo New Airport, said on the 27th, "I understand that there are many concerns about safety and the environment due to the accident that occurred at Muan Airport last year," and "We will do our best to ensure that there are no worries regarding safety and quality."
On this day, Lee emphasized that safety will be a top priority in the construction of the Gadeokdo New Airport during a press briefing held at the field support center of the Gadeokdo New Airport in Gangseo District, Busan.
The Gadeokdo New Airport will be developed on a site of 6,668,947 square meters in Gadeokdo, Gangseo District, Busan, with a project cost of 13.7 trillion won. The passenger terminal aims to accommodate 17.03 million people by 2040, while the cargo terminal aims for 260,000 tons by 2030. The airport is set to open in December 2029, with completion targeted for 2031.
After the Jeju Air accident at Muan Airport last year, Lee responded to concerns about potential bird strikes at the Gadeokdo New Airport, stating, "We will invest generously in safety facilities such as bird detection radars and thermal imaging cameras as long as the budget permits." He added, "The frequency of bird strikes at existing airports reflects the results of preventive measures," and explained that, "We estimated bird activity, so it naturally comes out higher than current airports."
Recently, the strategic environmental impact assessment raised concerns about the 'risk of bird strikes' associated with the Gadeokdo New Airport. The expected annual frequency of bird strikes (TPDS) was estimated to be 4.79 to 14.74, which is up to 246 times higher than that of Muan Airport (0.06).
In particular, regarding safety issues caused by fog, Lee pointed out, "This is a concern that was often raised when preparing for the opening of Incheon Airport." He further elaborated that, "The cancellation rate due to fog at Incheon Airport is about 0.1% of total cancellations."
In response to concerns about the runway width being narrow, Lee left the possibility of expansion open. The runway of the Gadeokdo New Airport is composed of one runway that is 3,500 meters long and 45 meters wide. He acknowledged, "There are concerns about the narrow runway width, but with advancements in operating technology and navigation safety facility precision, takeoffs and landings are possible even with a narrow runway," while adding, "According to Hyundai E&C's basic plan, there is ample space to increase the runway width." He continued, "Currently, with the planned shoulder included, we have secured 75 meters, and using this, expansion will be feasible."
Lee emphasized that the opening of the Gadeokdo New Airport in December 2029 will proceed without a hitch. He noted, "Hyundai E&C is currently working on the basic design, so I can only speak in principle, but I asked for the design to be based on the December 2029 opening," adding, "Please see that our commitment to that goal remains unwavering."
The Gadeokdo New Airport is currently undergoing the permitting process. A total of 49 permits must be obtained, of which 19 are considered core permits.
The compensation process is also a major hurdle for the construction project of the Gadeokdo New Airport. The agency plans to begin consultations for compensation next month for 700 residents who continue their livelihoods in the construction area. Areas where agreements cannot be reached will go through the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport's compensation arbitration, with plans to complete compensation by the end of the year. The estimated compensation cost is around 470 billion won.
Lee said, "Many residents understand that the Gadeokdo New Airport is a necessary project for the region and the country," adding, "It is admirable that no one says, 'This project is unnecessary.'"
Lee stated that improvements to access transportation will be made alongside the construction of the Gadeokdo New Airport. For road access, an extension of 9.3 kilometers from Gadeok Bridge to the New Airport is being considered. The railway will connect 16.5 kilometers from Busan New Port to the New Airport. Lee mentioned, "Once the Ministry of Economy and Finance conducts a feasibility review and deep tunnel hydrogen trains are connected, it will be possible to reach the New Airport from Busan North Port in 17 minutes."