Acting President Choi Sang-mok has ordered an immediate safety inspection of South Korea's entire airline operation system following the country's deadliest aviation disaster. Investigators are working to identify victims and determine the cause of the crash involving Jeju Air Flight 7C2216, which claimed 179 lives, including 175 passengers and four of six crew members.
The tragedy occurred Sunday morning when the Jeju Air Boeing 737-800, arriving from Bangkok, attempted to land at Muan International Airport. The aircraft belly-landed and skidded off the runway, erupting into flames after striking a wall. Two crew members survived and are being treated for injuries.
Choi emphasized transparency and swift action during a disaster management meeting in Seoul. "Even before the final results are out, we ask that officials transparently disclose the accident investigation process and promptly inform the bereaved families," he said.
The transport ministry has been tasked with conducting a thorough inspection of all aircraft operating in South Korea. A special review of the 101 Boeing 737-800s in service is also under consideration.
Preliminary reports suggest the pilots encountered a bird strike shortly before issuing a mayday and attempting an emergency landing. Despite their efforts to abort the landing, the aircraft made a belly landing approximately 1,200 meters along the 2,800-meter runway.
Experts are examining several factors, including the plane’s speed, the absence of deployed landing gear, and the role of the localiser antenna and embankment near the runway. Questions also surround the airport’s safety infrastructure, with critics noting the lack of an engineered arresting system to mitigate runway overshoots.
The aircraft’s flight data recorder has been recovered, but officials have yet to confirm whether it is intact enough for analysis.
The crash primarily affected South Korean nationals returning from vacations in Thailand, along with two Thai nationals. Families of the victims have gathered at Muan Airport and a memorial set up 9 kilometers from the crash site to mourn their loved ones.
Park Han-shin, who lost his brother, expressed concerns over delays in identifying victims. He called on families to unite, referencing the 2014 Sewol ferry disaster, which also faced criticism for its handling of victim recovery.
South Korea is leading the investigation with assistance from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), Boeing, and the Federal Aviation Administration. Shares of Jeju Air fell to record lows on Monday, reflecting the company’s mounting challenges.
As recovery efforts continue, Muan International Airport remains closed until Wednesday, while other airports across South Korea, including Incheon International, are operating as scheduled.
Acting President Choi, who assumed leadership just days ago following the impeachment of South Korea’s president and prime minister, vowed to prioritize safety reforms to prevent future tragedies.