South Korea's aviation safety concerns have surged following two incidents involving budget airlines within just one month, prompting many travelers to reconsider their flight choices. The recent events have cast doubts on the reliability of low-cost carriers, leading some to prioritize safety over savings.
The latest incident occurred on January 28, 2025, when an Air Busan passenger plane bound for Hong Kong experienced a fire at its tail before takeoff at Gimhae International Airport. Fortunately, there were no fatalities. Earlier, on December 29, 2024, a more catastrophic crash involving Jeju Air resulted in the loss of 179 lives out of 181 passengers, raising alarms over systemic issues within budget airlines.
Among the affected travelers is 27-year-old Lee Ji-yun, who said, “Normally, I’d go for the cheapest option because going to Japan from Korea is such a short flight. But the recent incidents involving budget carriers made me feel uneasy about flying with them. I felt like my safety would be more guaranteed flying with legacy carriers instead.” Lee’s sentiments reflect broader trends as consumers increasingly choose trusted airlines, reportedly paying up to 400,000 won ($275) for round-trip tickets to Osaka.
Following these safety incidents, there has been a noticeable decline in passengers for Korea’s leading low-cost carriers (LCCs) such as Jeju Air and Jin Air. According to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport’s Air Portal, passenger numbers dropped from 1.36 million between December 23-29 to 1.16 million at the start of January. Although there was minor recovery efforts, the overall trend suggests consumers are opting for safety over savings.
Social media reactions show widespread anxiety among passengers. One user commented, “I’ve been planning this trip for months, but with the recent news of accidents involving planes, I don’t feel confident about flying anymore.” This sentiment encapsulates the growing fear affecting travelers' decisions.
Aviation safety expert Kwon Bo-hun from Far East University has advocated for comprehensive reforms to aircraft maintenance systems. He noted, “Typically, the probability of an aircraft accident resulting in fatalities is as low as 1 in 10 million, but when such accidents occur, it can lead to massive fatalities.” Kwon supports not just routine inspections but substantial system overhauls to prevent tragedies and mitigate risks.
To address the immediate concerns, discussions are underway about potentially revising regulations surrounding portable power banks onboard airlines. The Air Busan fire is suspected to be linked to one such device stored improperly, leading Kwon to suggest potential restrictions or guidelines for carry-on items. He stated, “If the cause of the Air Busan fire is determined to have been caused by a portable power bank, measures to implement stricter guidelines on such items or to restrict them completely should also be considered.”
With the government's commitment to enhanced safety regulations anticipated by April, travelers are hopeful for clearer stipulations on how portable power banks can be carried onboard. These measures may include limiting capacities or mandates about carrying such devices to hand luggage to avoid incidents.
The recent air travel incidents have undoubtedly shaken the confidence of South Korean passengers. With immediate action needed to restore faith and enforce rigorous safety measures, the aviation sector faces scrutiny to prioritize passenger safety as flights resume. Observers note the need for adequate training and expansion of maintenance personnel, alongside imposing penalties for negligence, to build back trust among wary flyers.
While airlines have communicated general safety regulations to passengers, the lack of enforcement has left many unaware of the risks associated with portable power banks and other potential hazards. Experts agree on the urgency of creating extensive reforms to bridge the growing gap between budget airline safety standards and traveler expectations.