An Air Busan flight bound for Hong Kong faced a terrifying incident on January 28, 2025, when a fire broke out aboard the Airbus A321 at Gimhae International Airport shortly before takeoff. At approximately 10:15 PM local time, as the aircraft was preparing for departure, the flames erupted from the rear cabin, leading to the evacuation of all 176 individuals on board, which included 169 passengers and seven crew members.
Emergency procedures were swiftly enacted. Passengers exited the plane using inflatable emergency slides, allowing for the rapid evacuation of everyone on board. Fortunately, only seven people reported minor injuries, with one individual sent to the hospital for treatment. The National Fire Agency reported the fire was extinguished by 11:31 PM, roughly an hour and fifteen minutes after it ignited.
The preliminary investigation is focusing on the possible cause of the fire, which is suspected to stem from a power bank stored within the aircraft. Eyewitness accounts and initial assessments by the fire service indicate the blaze may have started from the tail section of the aircraft. "If it creates a short circuit, it can create high temperatures and burn the internal materials and create fire," warned Lo Kok-keung, retired engineering professor, commenting on the hazards of improperly handled lithium batteries.
This unsettling incident follows closely on the heels of the tragic Jeju Air crash just weeks before, raising immediate concerns over aviation safety within South Korea. This deadly accident claimed the lives of 179 individuals, underscoring the significance of passenger protocols and airline safety standards.
The Airbus A321 involved was preparing for what should have been another routine flight for the low-cost carrier, Air Busan, which is now part of the Korean Air family. Following the fire, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport has emphasized the importance of adhering to strict guidelines concerning the transportation of hazardous materials, such as lithium batteries, on flights.
Experts have long warned about the risks associated with power banks, especially those left stowed away. Kong Ha-sung, professor at Woosuk University’s Department of Fire and Disaster Prevention, advised, "Power banks should always be carried personally inside the cabin," stressing the risks of needing immediate access should overheating occur.
Firefighters acted decisively at the scene once alerted, and the authorities have launched extensive investigations to ascertain the fire's origins. A 20-member joint investigation team will include experts from various agencies, such as the Transport Ministry and National Forensic Service, examining all aspects of the incident.
Despite the highly stressful situation, it’s fortunate there were no fatalities resulting from this evacuation. The swift actions of the cabin crew and emergency responders ensured the safety of all passengers, reinforcing the importance of training and preparedness during crises.
The Gimhae International Airport resumed normal operations the following morning, with 279 scheduled flights running on time, apart from eight flights operated by Air Busan, which were cancelled due to the incident. Moving forward, authorities plan to thoroughly investigate the aircraft's condition, as well as the emergency protocols followed during the evacuation.
With air travel increasingly intersecting with concerns around technological safety, incidents like the Air Busan fire prompt both passengers and regulators to reassess safety measures. Passengers have been encouraged to refrain from using power banks during flights and to take conscious steps to avoid any risks associated with lithium batteries.
Advocacy for thorough compliance with safety guidelines is being reiterated as part of post-incident evaluations. Experts like Kim Kyu-wang, from Hanseo University, have pointed out the risks entailed when passengers do not heed crew instructions during emergencies. Following crew directions is pivotal, as they assess and act on conditions external to the aircraft.
Although air travel remains one of the safest modes of transportation, public anxiety surrounding safety protocols is palpable, especially following high-profile incidents. Officials continue to assure the flying public of their commitment to maintaining and enhancing existing safety measures, following both the Jeju crash and the Air Busan fire.
With the investigation underway, the focus will remain not just on the immediate cause of this alarming incident, but also on how comfortable and confident travelers feel when boarding aircraft. Assurance of safety protocols can go a long way toward restoring trust and ensuring passengers travel without fear.