On January 6, 2024, South Korean authorities announced the extension of Muan International Airport's closure amid continuing investigations surrounding the devastating Jeju Air crash. On December 29, 2023, Jeju Air flight 2216, which was carrying 181 passengers and crew members from Thailand, tragically belly-landed and collided with a concrete barrier, resulting in the loss of 179 lives.
The airport's closure, which was initially set to be lifted shortly, has now been extended until January 14 to allow investigators more time to determine the crash's cause. According to Deputy Minister for Civil Aviation Joo Jong-wan, the timeline for reopening the airport is contingent on the investigation's progress. "If the investigation gets longer, the period is susceptible to change," Joo stated, hinting at the seriousness of the inquiry.
Many families are still mourning the lost lives, as all victims' bodies have started to be returned for burial after almost a week following the incident. On January 6, Acting Interior Minister Ko Ki-dong announced, "Today, the process of handing over the victims to families is expected to be completed," allowing families to hold funerals for their loved ones.
Investigators, including representatives from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board and Boeing, are analyzing the aircraft's black boxes, which contain cockpit voice recordings and flight data. These recordings are pivotal for reconstructing the moments before the disaster. Authorities also conducted search-and-seizure operations at Muan Airport, Jeju Air’s offices, and relevant aviation offices to consolidate their inquiry.
Investigations have highlighted potential reasons for the crash, including reports of prior bird strikes leading up to the emergency landing attempts, as well as landing gear malfunctioning during the second attempt. Both factors compounded the challenges faced by the crew as they attempted to safely bring the aircraft down. During their first attempt to land, the pilot reported the bird strike but was unable to complete the landing successfully.
On the fatal second attempt, the aircraft's gear failed to deploy, resulting in the aircraft skidding off the runway and hitting the concrete barrier, bursting immediately upon impact. Eyewitness reports indicate it erupted in flames, leaving little chance for recovery. Only two crew members survived, which highlights the severity of the incident.
The loss has hit South Korea hard, with the nation entering a state of mourning with memorials set up nationwide. Choi Sang-mok, the Acting President, described the crash as "a turning point for the country," urging significant improvements to the aviation safety system to prevent such tragedies. He stated the need for reevaluated operational regulations to protect the public and airplane passengers.
Families of the deceased victims have begun receiving the remains of their loved ones, with many expressing the emotional toll the situation has wrought on their lives. Reports highlighted one family who lost nine members, demonstrating the tragedy's far-reaching impact. Personal messages and ritual offerings have been left at memorials, showcasing the community's grief and desire for closure.
Jeju Air CEO Kim E-bae addressed the media stating, "There were no specific or unusual issues during the maintenance process" of the aircraft prior to the crash. This raises questions about the safety protocols currently manned within the airline industry and the effectiveness of the checks put forth prior to flights.
Investigators are not limiting their focus to one potential cause but are systematically reviewing all factors. The urgency is palpable, not only to understand how this calamity could happen but to prevent it from ever happening again. With families affected by grief struggling with the loss, officials hope to bring some clarity soon through the investigation.
Each day, new developments aim to piece together the tragic puzzle of Flight 2216. While authorities are hopeful to learn more about what transpired during those fatal moments, the shadow of sorrow looms large as the nation grieves together.