Jeju Airlines Faces Backlash After South Korea Plane Crash, Around 68000 Tickets Cancelled

Jeju Air, South Korea's low-cost airline, is grappling with widespread cancellations following the devastating crash of Flight 2216 on Sunday. The tragedy, which occurred in Muan, claimed the lives of 179 people, leaving only two survivors, both flight attendants.

The Boeing 737-800 aircraft, en route from Thailand to South Korea, issued a mayday call before belly-landing, crashing into a barrier, and bursting into flames. The incident is now the deadliest air disaster in South Korean history.

From midnight Sunday to 1:00 p.m. Monday (0400 GMT), approximately 68,000 ticket cancellations were reported by Jeju Air. Domestic flights accounted for 33,000 cancellations, while international flights contributed another 34,000.

Despite this, the airline maintains that new bookings continue to flow steadily. "Given the current situation, the cancellation rate is slightly higher than usual. However, the inflow of new bookings remains steady," stated Song Kyung-hoon, head of Jeju Air's management support office, during a press conference.

Passenger Safety Concerns

Major travel agencies are also experiencing a surge in cancellations, with many customers expressing fear over flying Boeing 737-800 aircraft, the model involved in the crash. A leading travel agency reported over 400 cancellations within the first hour of operations on Monday.

Further exacerbating concerns, a separate Jeju Air flight from Seoul on Monday returned after experiencing a landing gear issue. Local media reported that 21 passengers opted not to board an alternate flight due to safety concerns.

The accident has triggered widespread anxiety, with passengers questioning the safety of Jeju Air’s fleet and operations. As investigations continue, the tragedy raises critical questions about airline safety standards in the region.

Investigation Underway

Authorities have launched a full-scale investigation into the Flight 2216 tragedy to determine the cause of the accident. Preliminary reports suggest mechanical failure, but officials are also examining maintenance records, pilot actions, and other contributing factors. South Korea’s aviation regulatory body has pledged a thorough review of safety protocols for all airlines operating Boeing 737-800 aircraft. This investigation aims to restore public confidence and prevent such tragedies in the future.