South Korea Jeju Air crash: Muan airport had only 1 worker to fend off birds during mishap
Staffing levels spark concerns about the adequacy of bird control operations at the airport
At the time of the incident, only one Bird Alert Team (BAT), commonly referred to as “Batman”, was on duty, prompting questions about whether staffing levels and operational protocols were sufficient.
BAT units typically use firearms and other deterrents to drive birds away from airport grounds and communicate directly with the control tower when bird flocks are spotted.
According to sources compiled by the Hankook Ilbo, only one BAT member was working during the suspected bird strike, which likely occurred between 8.57am and 8.59am.
This contradicts earlier statements by the government’s Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters, which said two members were present that day.
The discrepancy may stem from the airport’s staffing structure. Muan airport’s BAT operates with a team of four members divided into two shifts: two on duty during the day (9am to 6pm) and one at night (6pm to 9am).
As the incident occurred just before the morning shift began, the lone staff member on duty may have been delayed in identifying the situation due to shift change procedures. When asked, an airport official confirmed that only one BAT member was active during the bird strike.
