Daegu council panel scrutinizes new airport construction, urges measures to protect residents

The Daegu City Council's Construction and Transportation Committee conducted an administrative audit Friday, examining the city's New Airport Construction Corps and Transportation Training Institute, with a focus on new airport construction, the revitalization of Daegu Airport and measures to address resident grievances.

During the audit of the New Airport Construction Corps, key issues included the city's response to a potential shift toward state-led project management, compensation for residents on the relocation site and plans to boost international flights at Daegu Airport.

Committee Chair Kim Tae-woo (Suseong-gu, District 5) raised questions about why Daegu Airport's international route recovery has lagged behind Cheongju Airport, and reviewed the results of expanded airline support budgets in attracting new routes and increasing flight frequencies.

Deputy Chair Ko Byeong-su (Nam-gu, District 2) pressed officials on why a consulting project for the relocation of US military facilities was suspended and how the allocated budget would be used, urging the city to step up consultations with the Defense Ministry.

Committee member Bae Chang-gyu (Dalseong-gun, District 3) stressed the need to apply the findings of a preliminary survey for the new airport to future design and construction work while avoiding duplicate spending. Member Choi Wan-sik (proportional representation) urged that residents' opinions and plans to improve surrounding living conditions be incorporated into the development plan for the former K-2 air base site.

Member Park Chang-seok (Gunwi-gun) called for securing funding for compensation on the relocation site and establishing a resident resettlement plan, while member Kim Jung-gun (Suseong-gu, District 2) urged the city to sustain new international routes and stimulate local tourism and consumer spending. Member Choi Su-yeol (Buk-gu, District 3) demanded that residents' views be actively reflected in discussions on adjusting military noise compensation zones and negotiating nighttime flight operations.

At the audit of the Transportation Training Institute, the management of mandatory refresher training for transport workers and the need to improve the training environment drew fire.

Choi Su-yeol pointed to the low participation rate among freight transport workers and problems in managing those who had not completed required training, calling for more effective program operations. Kim Jung-gun urged improvements to the training facility — including seating arrangements and ventilation — and pushed for expanded online education options to enhance convenience for trainees.

Committee Chair Kim Tae-woo said the construction of the new airport and the revitalization of Daegu Airport are "core tasks directly tied to the region's future competitiveness," and called on the city to minimize harm to residents and put in place practical measures that citizens can tangibly feel.