A Study on the Operational Effects of Implementing a 15kt Tailwind Limit on Runway 36 at Gimhae International Airport

Gimhae International Airport features runways oriented in a south-north direction. While precision approaches are available from the south, approaches from the north are limited to circling due to surrounding mountainous terrain. During adverse weather conditions with precipitation, low visibility, and low cloud ceilings accompanied by strong southerly winds, the southern approach exceeds tailwind limits, while the northern circling approach becomes impermissible due to meteorological minimums. These limitations frequently lead to operational disruptions, including cancellations, delays, go-arounds, airborne holdings, and diversions. Considering these operational constraints, the airport has implemented operational procedures allowing landings with tailwinds up to 15kt. This study empirically analyzed flight operations for civil aircraft at Gimhae International Airport in 2024 under strong southerly winds accompanied by such adverse weather conditions. The results demonstrate that the 15kt tailwind procedure effectively reduced operational disruptions. However, the findings also highlight that additional considerations are required for tailwind landings and Runway 18 departures from operational and safety management perspectives.