In a recent parliamentary session, Transport Minister Chee Hong Tat assured that Singapore’s airports do not have concrete structures near runways similar to the one involved in the tragic Jeju Air crash on December 29. The incident, which took place in South Korea, claimed 179 lives, marking one of the deadliest air accidents in the country’s history.
Jeju Air flight 7C2216, en route from Bangkok to Muan in South Korea, met with a catastrophic end after belly-landing and overshooting the runway at Muan Airport. The aircraft collided with a concrete embankment, leading to a fiery explosion. The crash resulted in only two survivors and has spurred international scrutiny over aviation safety protocols.
Minister Chee highlighted the role of the concrete structure in exacerbating the severity of the crash. “I think there are some videos on social media showing the crash and how the plane ran into this concrete wall,” Mr. Chee stated, emphasizing the detrimental impact of such structures near runways.
Responding to concerns raised in parliament, Mr. Chee reassured that Singapore’s airports have no similar concrete structures near their runways. He elaborated that all equipment essential for air navigation located near runways is designed to collapse or break off upon impact, minimizing potential hazards during accidents.
“Our airport safety infrastructure is aligned with international standards to ensure such tragedies are less likely,” Mr. Chee affirmed.
The investigation into the Jeju Air crash is still underway, with the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) in close communication with the Korean Civil Aviation Authority, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration, and Boeing, the aircraft manufacturer.
Mr. Chee emphasized that Singapore is vigilant in learning from such incidents to enhance its own aviation safety. “We will review and take the necessary preventive actions as more information about the incident becomes available,” he noted.
CAAS has conducted thorough checks on Boeing 737-800 aircraft operating in Singapore. “They have found no anomalies or reliability issues,” Mr. Chee reported, reinforcing the safety of this aircraft model within Singapore’s aviation fleet.
Expressing deep sorrow, Mr. Chee extended condolences to the victims and their families, emphasizing Singapore’s solidarity with those affected by the tragedy. “We are very sad to learn about this incident,” he said.
Despite the somber context of the discussion, Mr. Chee also shared optimistic projections for Singapore’s aviation sector. He noted that Changi Airport’s passenger traffic is expected to nearly return to pre-pandemic levels by the end of 2024.
Between January and November 2024, Changi Airport handled approximately 61 million passengers, reflecting about 70% of its total capacity across Terminals 1 to 4. “We expect it to also further increase, so in 2025 we are very likely to exceed pre-COVID levels,” Mr. Chee predicted.
In preparation for the anticipated surge in air travel, the Changi Airport Group is set to invest S$3 billion (US$2.2 billion) over the next six years. These investments aim to enhance various services, including baggage handling, check-in, and immigration processes.
“These improvements are crucial for maintaining Changi Airport’s competitive edge and accommodating rising passenger numbers,” Mr. Chee explained.
Looking further ahead, the construction of Terminal 5 is slated to commence in 2025, with completion targeted for the mid-2030s. This new terminal will significantly bolster Changi Airport’s capacity, allowing it to handle an additional 50 million passengers annually. “This expansion is vital for Singapore to meet future air travel demands and continue its role as a global aviation hub,” Mr. Chee concluded.
