North Korea Missile Launch Triggers All-Stop at US West Coast Airports... No-Fly Order Issued as During 9/11 Attacks

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Jae-hee] On the 10th (based on US West Coast time), due to North Korea's ballistic missile test launch, airports located on the US West Coast reportedly issued takeoff bans for several minutes.

The takeoff ban is a measure that requires aircraft scheduled to operate to a specific airport to remain at their departure point, and it was previously implemented during the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

According to Bloomberg and AP News on the 11th (local time), around 2:30 PM the previous day, a takeoff ban was issued for about five minutes at San Francisco International Airport in California and nearby regional airports. This was understood to have occurred just minutes after North Korea launched its ballistic missile.

Additionally, it was reported that the air traffic control tower in San Francisco, California, instructed to avoid the local airspace and to refrain from takeoffs and landings. However, no explanation for the reason was provided.

San Diego International Airport in California also issued a takeoff ban shortly after 2:30 PM on the same day, which was lifted about 5 to 7 minutes later.

Ontario International Airport in California also issued a takeoff ban, but it was lifted after three minutes.

The reason for the takeoff bans remains unknown.

After North Korea launched the missile, the US Indo-Pacific Command released a statement saying that North Korea's ballistic missile launch does not pose an immediate threat to the American people, territory, or allies.

This is the second time North Korea has demonstrated military force since the beginning of the new year. Earlier, on the 5th, North Korea conducted its first ballistic missile launch and claimed to have test-fired a hypersonic missile.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.