In the aftermath of South Korea’s deadliest plane crash, Acting President Choi Sang-mok has ordered an urgent safety inspection of all airline operations across the country. The unfortunate incident at Muan International Airport had claimed 179 lives, leaving only two crew members as survivors.
The Jeju Air flight, which burst into flames upon crash-landing, has prompted a thorough investigation, with Choi emphasizing the need for transparency, urging investigators to swiftly share their findings with the grieving families.
This call for action comes amid another scare involving Jeju Air. On Monday, a flight from Gimpo International Airport to Seoul was forced to return shortly after takeoff due to a landing gear issue. The aircraft, a Boeing B737-800, is the same model involved in Sunday’s disaster. At least, 39 of Jeju Air’s 41 planes are made of this model.
The ill-fated flight 7C2216, which carried passengers aged between three and 78, tragically skidded off the runway and crashed into a wall after receiving a bird strike warning from air traffic control. The airline’s executives have already publicly apologized, bowing to the public and vowing to address the situation comprehensively.
Meanwhile, Boeing has expressed its readiness to support Jeju Air during this crisis. At the time of filing this report, Jeju Air’s shares have plummeted by 8% in Seoul.
