South Korean budget carrier sparks controversy over crew taking photos on aircraft wing

A South Korean budget carrier has been mired in controversy after its crew members took photos on an aircraft wing while the plane was delayed due to heavy snow.

According to broadcaster JTBC’s Thursday report, crew members of an Eastar Jet flight opened the overwing window exit of an aircraft at Cheongju International Airport at 11.47am on Wednesday local time, and climbed onto the left wing of the aircraft to pose for pictures.

The incident occurred when Flight 703, scheduled to depart for Jeju Island at 10.20am, was delayed by more than an hour due to heavy snow. News footage showed the emergency exit door wide open, with crew members standing on the wing and posing for photos.

Cheongju Airport is a military airport designated as a military facility protection zone, where taking photos is strictly prohibited without the approval of the commanding officer of the jurisdiction.

According to the Protection of Military Bases and Installation Act, an unauthorised act of taking photos at such facilities is punishable with up to three years in prison or fines of up to 30 million won (US$20,800).