Jeju Air Tragedy: South Korea Mourns One of Its Worst Air Disasters
On December 29, 2024, South Korea witnessed a devastating aviation disaster as a Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 crashed while attempting to land at Muan International Airport. The tragedy claimed 179 lives out of 181 onboard, marking it as one of the deadliest air crashes in South Korean history.
Details of the Incident
- Date: December 29, 2024
- Flight Number: 7C2216
- Aircraft Model: Boeing 737-800
- Route: Bangkok to Muan International Airport
- Fatalities: 179
- Survivors: 2
The plane faced technical difficulties during landing, reportedly due to a bird strike that compromised the landing gear. The pilots attempted a belly landing, but the aircraft skidded off the runway and collided with a concrete barrier, resulting in a massive fire.
Investigation and Response
Authorities recovered both black boxes, which are being analyzed to determine the exact cause of the crash. South Korea has declared a national mourning period of seven days. The CEO of Jeju Air has accepted responsibility, pledging to support the affected families.
Global Condolences and Safety Concerns
World leaders, including U.S. President Joe Biden, have expressed condolences. Aviation experts are calling for better airport infrastructure, including collapsible runway barriers and enhanced bird-strike prevention systems.
