South Korea’s acting leader, Choi Sang-mok, has called for an urgent safety inspection of all airline operations in the country following a tragic plane crash at Muan International Airport on Sunday, which claimed the lives of 179 passengers. The incident has been labeled the deadliest aviation disaster in the nation’s history.
The Incident: A National Tragedy
The Jeju Air flight 7C2216, carrying 179 passengers and crew, crash-landed at Muan International Airport and burst into flames. Only two individuals survived the disaster, leaving the nation grappling with shock and grief.
The ill-fated flight had been en route from Gimpo International Airport to Jeju Island, a popular tourist destination, and was scheduled to land around 09:00 local time (00:00 GMT). As the plane attempted its landing, it skidded off the runway and collided with a barrier wall, resulting in a devastating fire that engulfed the aircraft.
South Korean authorities reported that the passengers ranged in age from three to 78 years old, with most in their 40s, 50s, and 60s. Among the deceased were two Thai nationals, while the remaining victims were believed to be South Korean citizens.
Bird Strike Warning and Delayed Landing
Initial investigations revealed that the crash occurred after air traffic control issued a bird strike warning — an alert signaling a risk of collision with birds. Consequently, the aircraft had to delay its landing. Air traffic command later permitted the plane to land from the opposite direction, a maneuver that ultimately ended in tragedy.
A South Korean transport official described the events leading up to the crash, stating, “The plane was in the final stages of landing when the situation escalated. Further details are being investigated to determine the exact cause of the accident.”
Jeju Air’s Immediate Response
In the wake of the incident, Jeju Air’s leadership expressed profound regret and offered a public apology during a press conference. The airline’s executives bowed deeply as they addressed the nation, stating, “We deeply apologize to all those affected by the incident. We will make every effort to resolve the situation.”
The airline’s shares plunged by 8% in trading on Monday, reflecting the public and market response to the catastrophic accident.
Another Incident Raises Alarm
Adding to the gravity of the situation, another Jeju Air flight experienced issues the following day. On Monday, a Boeing B737-800 — the same model as the plane involved in Sunday’s crash — departed from Gimpo International Airport at 06:35 local time (21:35 GMT Sunday). Less than an hour into the flight, the aircraft returned to Seoul after the crew identified a mechanical defect related to the landing gear.
The Yonhap News Agency reported that the landing gear, an essential component that supports the aircraft during takeoff, taxiing, and landing, had malfunctioned. Jeju Air’s fleet comprises 41 aircraft, 39 of which are Boeing B737-800s, raising significant safety concerns about the model’s reliability.
Nationwide Safety Inspections Ordered
In response to these alarming events, Acting President Choi Sang-mok has ordered a comprehensive safety inspection of all airlines operating in South Korea. Speaking to the press, Choi emphasized the importance of restoring public confidence in the aviation sector.
“I have instructed the aviation authorities to conduct an immediate and thorough review of safety protocols across the industry,” Choi said. “Investigators must swiftly disclose their findings to the families of the victims and the public to ensure transparency.”
An Acting President Amid Political Turmoil
The tragedy unfolded during a period of political instability in South Korea. The nation is currently without a permanent president after the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol. Acting President Choi, who assumed office just days before the crash, expressed his sorrow over the loss of lives.
“To the honorable citizens of our nation, as an acting president, my heart aches as we face this unforeseen tragedy amid recent economic hardships,” Choi said.
Boeing’s Statement
Boeing, the manufacturer of the B737-800 aircraft involved in the incidents, issued a statement expressing condolences to the victims’ families and support for Jeju Air. “We are deeply saddened by the events in South Korea and stand ready to assist Jeju Air in their investigations,” the company stated.
The Road Ahead
The crash has sparked nationwide calls for stricter aviation safety measures and a reassessment of regulatory standards. As investigators work to uncover the cause of Sunday’s disaster, the country mourns the loss of 179 lives and grapples with the implications for its aviation industry.
This tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of safety in the aviation sector. For the families of the victims and the two survivors, the coming weeks will be marked by grief, questions, and a search for justice.
