SEOUL – The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport has taken swift action to investigate the fire incident involving Air Busan, which occurred on January 28, 2025. At 10:26 p.m., as the Air Busan Airbus A321-200 was preparing to take off from Gimhae International Airport toward Hong Kong, fire erupted at the tail of the aircraft before it could even leave the ground. Every individual on board — 169 passengers and seven crew members — were successfully evacuated by 11:31 p.m., with seven individuals receiving treatment for injuries, primarily for smoke inhalation and minor physical injuries sustained during their hasty exit.
Choi Sang-mok, acting President and Finance Minister, mandated thorough investigative measures, emphasizing the need for an immediate evaluation following reports of injuries during the emergency. “With some passengers even having suffered injuries during evacuations, swift follow-up measures are absolutely necessary,” Choi announced through the Finance Ministry.
Witness accounts from passengers provided harrowing details about the chaotic scene. A passenger seated near the rear reported hearing “a crackling sound” coming from the overhead luggage compartment, swiftly followed by thick smoke filling the cabin. While some passengers initially remained seated, believing they were being instructed by crew members to stay calm, others reacted with panic. One witness described, “A flight attendant approached with a fire extinguisher, but thick smoke had already filled the air by then. Sparks were bursting out from the compartment.”
The swift actions of several passengers proved lifesaving as one individual opened the emergency exit door amid the confusion, enabling the stranded individuals to flee amid rising smoke. A passenger at the front commented on the rapid escalation of the situation, noting, “There was no specific announcement made about the fire—even as smoke quickly began to spread toward the front of the cabin.” This sentiment was echoed by many who criticized the initial instructions to remain seated, asserting it only compounded the chaos.
After passengers had safely evacuated, they voiced their dissatisfaction with Air Busan's management of the situation. They alleged there appeared to be no established protocol for such emergencies and noted the lack of directed assistance following their safe exit. “Airline officials only told us to go home or to the nearest hotel,” one passenger shared, highlighting the absence of structured follow-up care.
On the operational side, Air Busan has stated they acted according to protocol once the fire was reported. The captain shut down the hydraulic and fuel systems to mitigate any chances of secondary damage, followed by declaring the emergency evacuation to prioritize passenger safety. “The crew followed all appropriate procedures,” the airline stated, stressing the urgency of the situation left no time for widespread announcements.
Notably, the aircraft involved had been operational for over 17 years without reported incidents for the last 12 years, but questions have now arisen about the adequacy of inspection protocols. After reaching 20 years of service, airplanes enter tighter inspection regimens under the Transport Ministry’s regulations.
Investigators are currently facing delays due to the significant amounts of jet fuel and other hazardous materials—such as oxygen tanks—still aboard the burnt remains of the plane. The Air Busan A321 has visible damage extending along its fuselage, but fortunately, its wings and engines remained untouched by the flames. Currently, around 35,900 lbs (16,280 kg) of jet fuel remains, prompting authorities to determine whether or not such fuel should be offloaded before proceeding with their full investigation.
The South Korean Aviation and Railway Accident Investigation Board is leading the inquiry, with support from French aviation officials due to Airbus being the manufacturing country. Investigators are hopeful to comprehensively understand the circumstances leading to the fire, yet they must handle the remaining hazardous conditions with care. “The investigation is proceeding cautiously as we assess the risks associated with the remaining materials on board,” said one air crash investigation official.
This incident, occurring just one month after the tragic accident of another airline, Jeju Air, is drawing heightened scrutiny from authorities and the public alike, as safety protocols and operational procedures for passenger travel come under the microscope. The past month has instilled fear and raised awareness about the procedures followed during emergency situations, and many are eager for clarity on the measures each airline has to protect their passengers effectively.
While events are still developing, authorities are committed to establishing comprehensive solutions to prevent similar crises from occurring again.