South Korea plans to raise its security levels at all airports ahead of the G-20 economic summit set to take place late next week, the government said Monday.
The Ministry of Land, Transport and Maritime Affairs said alert levels at all 15 of the country's airports will be raised to "orange" starting Thursday from "yellow" at present as leaders from the world's 20 largest advanced and emerging economies are scheduled to gather in Seoul on Nov. 11-12 to help set goals for sustained economic growth.
An orange alert is the fourth highest of a five-tiered system that progressively rises from "green" in normal circumstances to "blue," "yellow," "orange" and "red," which is issued when there is a serious perceived threat to safety.
The ministry also said a "red" alert will be issued as of Nov. 8 for Incheon, Gimpo, Gimhae, Cheongju and Jeju international airports and will be maintained until Nov. 13.
The other 10 airports, which normally handle domestic flights, will be placed on safety levels that are commensurate with a red alert, to guard against unforeseen mishaps.
The ministry said security will be beefed up at all airport facilities, with inspection personnel planning to redouble screening of all passengers, baggage and cargo to prevent terrorist activities.
"Travellers will be required to arrive at airport terminals at least three hours ahead of departure time so they can clear security inspections in a timely manner," a ministry official said.
The measures follow an announcement by Seoul last month that it will conduct special safety checks on all airline operations to ensure no problems occur during the G-20 period. It said government inspectors will go over pilot, maintenance and plane cabin security measures used by carriers and general management of flight operations.
The ministry in charge of the country's transportation policies, meanwhile, said it will urge citizens of Seoul not to drive their cars during the two-day summit.
People with license plates that end in odd numbers can drive their cars on Nov. 11, while those with even numbers can drive their vehicles on the following day. The measures are voluntary although Seoul has considered enforcing limits to reduce traffic on roads.
It said to alleviate possible transportation problems, more buses and subways will be put into operation during the two-day period.
Government officials in Seoul and the nearby Gyeonggi region will be told to report to work an hour later than normal to disperse pressure on public transportation, with similar measures to be taken for school children living near the summit venue in the southern part of the capital city.