North Korea disrupts Incheon Airport with waste-filled balloons

In the early hours of Wednesday, Incheon International Airport in South Korea faced a temporary halt in operations due to balloons launched by North Korea filled with waste. The incident occurred when a balloon landed on the tarmac near Terminal 2, leading to the closure of the three runways for about three hours.

Since late May, North Korea has been sending balloons carrying trash into South Korea, with several balloons landing in the country. This disruption near the airport, located approximately 40km from the North Korean border, is another instance of such incidents.

The disruption affected both domestic and international flights between 1.46am and 4.44am, resulting in the diversion of eight arriving flights to other airports in South Korea and China. FlightRadar24 data indicated delays for several other flights during this period.

North Korea's balloon launches are believed to be in response to propaganda activities by North Korean defectors and activists in South Korea. These activities involve sending balloons with various items and critical messages about the North Korean leadership. The balloons have carried unconventional materials like articles featuring Hello Kitty characters, worn-out clothing, and even soil contaminated with human waste and parasites.

South Korea's military reported that around 100 balloons had landed between Tuesday and Wednesday, mostly in Seoul and the surrounding Gyeonggi province. However, the majority of these balloons contained only scraps of paper.

Despite the disruption, flight operations at Incheon International Airport have resumed. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation to prevent further incidents caused by North Korean balloon launches.

The recent disruption at Incheon International Airport highlights the ongoing tensions between North and South Korea. While the airport has resumed normal operations, the incident serves as a reminder of the complex relationship between the two countries. Efforts are being made to address the challenges posed by such provocative actions to ensure the safety and efficiency of air travel in the region.