Council Split Deepens Debate Over 'Temporary Resumption of International Flights at Gwangju Airport'

Kang Suhun: "We Must Prevent Prolonged Isolation" vs Park Sugi: "Administrative Showmanship"
Civic Group Also Refutes... Acceptance by the Ministry Remains Uncertain

After all international flights in the Honam region were suspended, debate over the 'temporary resumption of international flights at Gwangju Airport' has intensified within the Gwangju City Council, with council members taking opposing stances. The situation has become more complicated as internal conflicts within the council have arisen, while no alternative measures have been established following the Muan International Airport disaster.

Fighter jet training scene at Gwangju Military Airport. Provided by Gwangsan-gu, Gwangju.

On November 17, Kang Suhun, a member of the Gwangju City Council, stated during a five-minute speech at the 2nd regular session, "With air routes in the Honam region potentially cut off for at least several years, resuming international flights at Gwangju Airport is a realistic alternative." He emphasized, "A thorough investigation into the Muan Airport accident is necessary, but prolonged investigations should not paralyze international travel rights. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport has also failed to present a normalization roadmap or supplementary measures for travel rights." He added, "We must temporarily resume international flights at Gwangju Airport to prevent isolation."

In response, Councilman Park Sugi maintained his previous position and opposed the proposal. He had previously criticized during an administrative audit, "Repetitively raising an issue that the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport has already rejected, without any fundamental changes, amounts to showmanship that undermines administrative trust." He further stated, "Advocating for temporary flights amid the unresolved issues of the Muan Airport accident and the relocation of the military airport could damage trust with Jeollanam-do Province and Muan County."

The civic group 'Gwangju Airport International Flight Revival Citizens' Council' immediately refuted Councilman Park's argument. The group stated, "The transportation subsidies proposed by Councilman Park are unrealistic, considering the annual overseas travel demand of 1 million people in Gwangju and Jeollanam-do," and argued, "Temporary resumption of international flights is the most immediate and practical solution."

Some point out that even within Gwangju City, opinions are divided over the resumption of international flights, and it remains uncertain whether the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport will accept the proposal for temporary flights.

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