Airport Troubles Ahead?

At 6:00 a.m. on July 4, Korean Air’s pilot labor union started a labor protest by instituting a work slowdown on the airport’s runways and taxiways.

The pilots, contrary to the control tower’s directions, maintained a speed limit of 18.5-55.5 kmph when taxiing their planes from the runway to the parking lot at Incheon International Airport, Kimpo Airport, and other domestic airports.

Incheon International Airport had 400 Korean Air flights that day, but it was not affected by the protest seriously. The situation was similar at Kimpo and at other domestic airports.

The labor union is requesting an extension of the retirement age (from current 55 to 60) and a prohibition of disciplinary measures against pilots involved in accidents.

Meanwhile, the Asiana Airlines pilot labor union could not reach a conclusion until the afternoon that day and has decided to move forward with plans for a 24-hour strike scheduled for July 5.

Hee-Jae Park min07@donga.com