Height Limit Changes Near Seoul Airport: 3 Key Proposals That Could Impact 24 Districts

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Seongnam City has submitted a revised proposal to the Ministry of National Defense (MND) to ease altitude restrictions in flight safety zones 5 and 6 near Seoul Airport. The approval of this plan is now under close scrutiny.

While the MND recently updated its standards for flight safety zones and building height calculations around Seoul Airport, Seongnam City officials argue that further modifications are necessary, particularly regarding altitude limits within the airport’s approach corridor.

City sources confirmed on the 10th that an amended plan to relax altitude constraints in zones 5 and 6 has been resubmitted to the MND for consideration.

The revised proposal outlines three options for easing height restrictions across approximately 45 square kilometers within the affected areas. These zones encompass 24 districts, including parts of Sujeong-gu and Bundang-gu.

At present, about 80 square kilometers of Seongnam’s total 141.8 square kilometer area falls under altitude restriction regulations. The airport’s vicinity is divided into six distinct safety zones based on runway locations.

City officials contend that these restrictions infringe on residents’ property rights. Following a comprehensive study initiated in September 2023 and extensive community feedback, the city developed five plans to address these concerns, which were presented to the MND last June.

The MND partially accommodated the city’s requests in August and September, revising certain aspects of military base regulations and Seongnam’s flight safety zone designations.

However, the ministry expressed reservations about three key proposals: altering aircraft approach paths, establishing special approach procedures, and relaxing altitude limits based on minimum descent altitude margins.

Seongnam officials, believing these rejected proposals to be crucial for meaningful regulatory relief, have conducted further aeronautical assessments and incorporated additional public input to refine their plan for resubmission.

The revised proposal focuses on easing altitude restrictions within approach zones, adjusting height limits to reflect current operational practices, and introducing special approach procedures to facilitate greater flexibility.

If approved, the plan could potentially increase allowable building heights by 15.96 to 135.75 meters in certain areas, depending on local conditions and MND acceptance.

The city has also requested that the MND reconsider its method for calculating shielding areas, proposing to include tree heights when determining flight path obstructions.

A city spokesperson emphasized, “We’re urging for more flexible application of altitude restrictions, particularly in cases where it can be demonstrated that buildings outside designated shielding zones pose no threat to aviation safety.”