SOUTH KOREA - Ongoing investigations surrounding the Jeju Air crash at Muan International Airport have prompted the South Korean government to extend the shutdown of the airport by one week as authorities work to unravel the details behind the country’s deadliest aviation disaster, which claimed the lives of 179 people on board.
The tragic incident took place on December 29, 2024, when the airline's Boeing 737-800 crashed shortly after takeoff. Amid the shocking aftermath of the crash, the government has decided to keep Muan Airport closed until January 14, 2025, to facilitate the investigation efforts, originally scheduled to reopen earlier this week.
The investigation team, which includes members from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board, is intensifying its probe. Two investigators are heading to the United States with recovered flight data recorders, which are pivotal to determining the cause of the crash. Meanwhile, the cockpit voice recorder's transcript has been completed but the authorities have not yet decided whether to publicly release its contents.
Over the weekend, investigators successfully retrieved both of the aircraft’s engines, with representatives from the manufacturer GE joining the investigation to assist with technical analysis. To bolster aviation safety, South Korea’s Ministry of Transport has also mandated the inspection of Boeing 737-800 models operated by Jeju Air and other airlines until January 10, reviewing their maintenance protocols.
Adding to the significant state response, both the ruling People Power Party (PPP) and the main opposition Democratic Party have united to create a parliamentary task force aimed at investigating the crash. This 15-member bipartisan team will be led by Rep. Kwon Young-jin. During the task force's formation announcement, Park Hyeung-soo, deputy floor leader of the PPP, emphasized, "The task force was formed to provide active bipartisan support for the bereaved families," as reported by Yonhap.
Meanwhile, Jeju Air, facing intense scrutiny following the crash, has announced plans to cut 188 international flights from Busan during the first quarter. The airline described this step as part of their commitment to enhancing operational safety, stating they intend to reduce flight operations by 10-15% by March 2025, which translates to roughly 1,900 flights cut during this period. Affected flights include popular routes to Clark, Philippines, and Kaohsiung, Taiwan, with cancellations extending from January through March.
While Jeju Air manages these operational reductions, the government has assured support for the families of the crash victims. Funeral proceedings for the deceased victims are nearing completion, with all bodies having been handed over to the families by January 6. The Financial Services Commission has announced support measures, including extending loan maturities for bereaved families, to assist them during this distressing time.
Psychological support teams have also been deployed to help with the emotional recovery of those affected, signaling the government’s commitment to holistic support during the aftermath of this tragedy. Emergency financial assistance for the victims' families is set to begin distribution, starting from January 8, 2025.
Such comprehensive efforts underline not only the national mourning for those lost but also the urgency for enhanced safety protocols within South Korea’s aviation industry. The Jeju Air crash has raised significant questions about operational standards, and authorities are determined to conduct thorough investigations to prevent any future tragedies.
Following this unfortunate incident, South Korea’s transport ministry, legislators, and aviation stakeholders are working hand-in-hand to address safety concerns and restore public confidence. The emphasis now lies heavily on transparency throughout the investigation, hoping to provide clarity to the bereaved and assurance to the flying public.