Trash balloons create chaos at South Korean airports

North Korea’s provocative balloon launches have prompted repeated airport shutdowns in South Korea, sparking public anxiety and disrupting air travel since late May. The disruptions have been substantial, with runway closures totaling 413 minutes across 20 separate days.

According to South Korean officials, more than 5,500 balloons carrying trash, including paper, plastic, vinyl, and manure, have been launched into South Korean territory. These incidents have resulted in small fires in metropolitan areas and significant disruptions to operations at Incheon and Gimpo airports.

Incheon, the world’s fifth-busiest international airport and a major cargo hub, experienced its worst disruption on June 26, with all runways closed for 166 minutes. On Monday, Sept. 23, takeoffs and landings were suspended twice, causing an additional 90-minute delay.

South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff warned that if the balloons cause casualties, a military response would be considered.

“North Korea’s gray zone provocations are continuing and are causing inconvenience and anxiety to the public,” said Lee Sung-joon, a spokesperson for the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

However, concerns over releasing harmful materials in mid-air have prevented the military from shooting down the balloons. Instead, surveillance assets are used to track the balloons.

The balloon launches have had a significant financial impact, with estimated costs exceeding $411,000. Officials have condemned North Korea’s actions as “reckless” and “provocative.”

North Korea claims the balloon launches are a response to South Korean activists sending propaganda leaflets across the border. South Korean civic groups have also sent balloons into North Korean territory, carrying items such as rice, essential medicine, and leaflets critical of the regime.

To mitigate potential disruptions, South Korean airlines are carrying extra fuel to prepare for delays or diversions.

The ongoing tensions between the two nations have raised concerns about the potential for further escalation.