TOKYO, Dec. 8 (Xinhua) -- The number of accidents within restricted zones at airports throughout Japan reached a record high of 38 during the April-November period of the current fiscal year, local media reported on Friday.
The figure marks the highest recorded during the period since the fiscal year 2014 when data collection commenced, national broadcaster NHK reported, citing sources including the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.
Airports are mandated to notify the ministry of accidents occurring in designated areas, such as parking aprons, including injuries to ground personnel requiring a four-day or longer absence from work, harm to aircraft, and injuries sustained by passengers.
Out of the 38 accidents, 21 resulted in injuries to ground staff, 10 caused damage to aircraft, and seven led to passenger injuries, said the report, adding that the majority of these accidents seem to involve individuals responsible for guiding airplanes or managing checked baggage.
A representative from the transport ministry acknowledged the challenges in airport-restricted areas, attributing them to a lack of experience among workers due to the sharp decline in air travel demand amid the COVID-19 pandemic, according to NHK. ■