Wed Sep 25 09:00:25 UTC 2024: ## North Korean Balloons Cause Major Disruptions at Seoul Airports
**SEOUL, South Korea** – North Korean balloons carrying bags of trash have caused significant disruptions at South Korea’s two main airports in Seoul, forcing repeated runway closures since June, according to a South Korean lawmaker.
Democratic Party lawmaker Yang Bu-nam revealed that Incheon and Gimpo airports have been closed for landings and takeoffs on a total of 20 different days since June 1st, resulting in 413 minutes of combined closures. These closures were triggered by the detection of balloons in the vicinity of the airports.
North Korea claims the balloon launches are a response to South Korean activists sending propaganda leaflets across the border. While most of the balloons have been removed without incident, some have landed near the presidential office and on airport runways, causing minor fires and disrupting airport traffic.
The most significant closure occurred on June 26th, when Incheon Airport runways were closed for 166 minutes. On Monday, Incheon, the world’s fifth-busiest international airport, experienced another 90-minute closure. Gimpo Airport, which primarily serves domestic flights, has also been affected.
An airline official expressed concerns about the impact on flight operations, noting that planes have been carrying additional fuel to account for potential delays or diversions. An aviation authority official stated that runway closure decisions are made on a case-by-case basis, considering the location and conditions of the balloons.
Despite calls from some lawmakers and civic groups to shoot down the balloons, the South Korean military has opted to track them using surveillance assets. The military maintains a stance of “stern military action” in case of deemed violations, but has refused to provide further details.
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