Air Busan's A321 Aircraft Catches Fire During Takeoff at Gimhae Airport
Emergency evacuation occurs as authorities investigate causes and rising safety concerns over lithium-ion batteries
On Tuesday night, an Air Busan Airbus A321 aircraft caught fire at Gimhae International Airport, leading to the emergency evacuation of all 176 people on board. The plane was preparing for its scheduled flight to Hong Kong when flames erupted from the rear section of the aircraft.
According to the South Korean transport ministry, the fire broke out around 10:15 PM. Passengers, including 169 travelers, six crew members, and one engineer, were forced to evacuate using inflatable slides. Initial reports indicated three injuries, but this number was later revised to seven, with one person requiring hospitalization.
Authorities are currently investigating the incident, and preliminary reports suggest the fire may have been sparked by a portable battery stored improperly. Eyewitness accounts noted dark smoke pouring from overhead compartments shortly before the blaze erupted.
Notably, this incident follows South Korea's worst aviation disaster only last month, involving Jeju Air's Boeing 737-800, which resulted in the tragic deaths of 179 individuals. Transport Minister Park Sang-woo expressed deep concern, stating, "We feel deeply sorry for the passengers on board and the public." The severity of the situation has raised alarm bells over aviation safety protocols, especially concerning lithium-ion batteries known to pose fire risks.
Dramatic images circulating from the scene depicted thick smoke and flames engulfing significant portions of the aircraft. After the swift action of the local fire department, the fire was extinguished by approximately 11:31 PM. Fortunately, the plane's wings and engines emerged largely intact, preventing what could have been even greater harm.
The transport ministry highlighted the urgent need for thorough investigation and analysis. A joint investigation team composed of the South Korean transport ministry, the National Forensic Service, and investigators from France has begun examining evidence, including photos and witness accounts.
Sources close to Air Busan indicate the portable battery theory is credible, raising new questions about the safety of such devices on flights. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has reported concerning trends, noting battery-related fires have increased by 388 percent since 2015, averaging nearly two incidents each week.
Liability and public trust are also at the forefront of discussions. Following the Jeju Air incident last month, public sentiment against low-cost carriers (LCCs) is reportedly at an all-time high. Aviation experts suggest this could impact Korean Air's plans to merge its low-cost entities, including Air Busan and others, under the Jin Air banner. A representative from the aviation industry remarked, "Passengers’ distrust in LCCs is reaching its peak... the most efficient way to restore trust is to launch the new LCC as soon as possible."
Safety officials are now pushing for stricter regulations surrounding the transportation of lithium-ion batteries on flights, particularly concerning storage locations and management practices. Currently, investigators continue to assess whether any additional factors contributed to the fire.
While the final findings of the investigation remain pending, this incident serves as yet another reminder of the heightened risks associated with lithium-ion batteries aboard commercial flights. The necessity for enhanced awareness and regulatory measures is clear as aviation authorities evaluate possible future policies to improve passenger safety.
With the Air Busan incident still fresh, both authorities and industry stakeholders are acutely aware of the public's skepticism toward air travel safety. The hope is to make swift and decisive changes to prevent future incidents.