CAASL urged to remove hazardous structures at Ratmalana airport after Jeju Air Flight tragedy

In light of the recent Jeju Air Flight 2216 tragedy at Muan International Airport, South Korea, which resulted in 179 fatalities, the Aircraft Owners and Operators Association Sri Lanka has issued a statement emphasising the urgent need to address the risks posed by fixed structures at Colombo International Airport Ratmalana. 

“The Jeju Air disaster underscores the catastrophic consequences of having solid, non-frangible structures near runway ends,” it states. “Colombo International Airport Ratmalana features a solid concrete perimeter wall at the Galle Road end of the runway. This wall poses significant risks in the event of runway overruns or undershoots, similar to the circumstances leading to the Jeju Air tragedy.”

“Importantly, this safety concern was first brought to the attention of the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL) and Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) (Private) Limited (AASL) many years ago,” the statement says. “However, despite repeated calls for action, the hazardous structure remains in place.”
“These concerns have been brought to both the regulatory body, CAASL, and the management of Colombo International Airport Ratmalana, AASL,” the Association stresses.  “It is imperative that decisive action is taken now to prevent a potential tragedy.” 

“We strongly urge the relevant authorities to prioritize the removal of this hazardous structure and replace it with a frangible (breakable upon impact) barrier that complies with international aviation safety standards,” it reiterates. “Aviation safety requires proactive measures, and the time to act is now.”