An emergency situation unfolded at Gimhae International Airport on January 28, 2025, when Korean Air Flight BX391, bound for Hong Kong, encountered a fire during its pre-takeoff procedures. The incident resulted in the prompt evacuation of all 176 individuals onboard, consisting of 170 passengers, including one ramp agent, and six crew members. Thankfully, all evacuees exited the aircraft before the fire escalated, but reports indicated minor injuries among four individuals, with two needing hospital treatment.
The fire erupted around 10:15 PM, swiftly engulfing the rear section of the Airbus A321 aircraft. Eyewitness accounts described the scene as chaotic, with passengers hearing crackling noises and seeing smoke billowing from above. One passenger recounted, "I heard a crackling sound followed by smoke and flames from the overhead compartment," illustrating the alarming experience they faced.
Emergency teams at the airport acted quickly as the situation escalated. By approximately 10:38 PM, fire crews had initiated action under the emergency response protocol, deploying over 183 personnel and 68 fire trucks to manage the flames, considering the dangers posed by approximately 35,000 pounds of aviation fuel onboard. Their timely intervention limited the fire's spread, and the bulk of it was brought under control by 11:24 PM, with complete extinguishment occurring at 11:31 PM.
A GMC International Airport fire chief noted, "Our response teams acted swiftly to contain the fire due to the presence of aviation fuel on board." Despite the challenges, all passengers and crew successfully evacuated the aircraft using emergency slides, showcasing the effectiveness of the safety protocols in place. While the situation could have led to larger-scale disaster, the efficiency of the emergency response mitigated what could have been catastrophic.
Following the fire, the aftermath included delays for several other flights, including those from T’way Airlines and Jin Air, each experiencing disruptions of about 40 minutes. Notably, authorities took actions to investigate the incident fully. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport formed the Central Accident Response Headquarters to direct inquiries and examination of the incident, prioritizing the verification of safety standards and preventive measures.
Currently, the cause of the fire remains unknown, but airport officials and investigators are expected to conduct comprehensive inspections and interviews with passengers. The situation has revived conversations about airline safety practices, especially considering the recent history of aviation incidents and public sentiment surrounding travel safety.
Adding to the public's concern, this incident follows closely on the heels of another tragic aviation accident the previous month, which claimed 179 lives—a stark reminder of how quickly situations can turn dire. Authorities, led by Busan’s local aviation chief, have pledged transparency and thorough inquiry.
Officials are expected to examine the Gathered Passenger Data Recorder (FDR) and the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) from the aircraft, aiming to piece together how and why this incident occurred. Alongside these technical investigations, firsthand accounts from the flight manifest will play a valuable role as officials seek answers about the events leading to the fire.
The airline, Air Busan, has maintained its record of safety over the past 12 years until now, having not reported any major accidents or incidents until this fire. They are taking this situation seriously, ensuring full compliance with investigation requirements and reassurances to the public about safety during air travel.
At the moment, the transport ministry and local authorities are assessing operations and schedules to amend any service disruptions stemming from this fire. They urge travelers to remain informed about their flights and stay alert for announcements related to travel schedules.