By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
Travel Radar - Aviation NewsTravel Radar - Aviation News
  • Breaking News
  • Aviation
    • Aircraft
    • Airlines
    • Airshow & Events
    • Careers
    • Manufacturing
  • Travel
    • Airports
    • Points & Loyalty
    • Technology
    • Trip Reviews
  • Newsletters
Reading: Tragic Jeju Air Crash Claims 179 Lives in South Korea
Share
Sign In
Notification Show More
Font ResizerAa
Font ResizerAa
Travel Radar - Aviation NewsTravel Radar - Aviation News
  • Breaking News
  • Aviation
    • Aircraft
    • Airlines
    • Airshow & Events
    • Careers
    • Manufacturing
  • Travel
    • Airports
    • Points & Loyalty
    • Technology
    • Trip Reviews
  • Newsletters
Have an existing account? Sign In
Follow US
Copyright © Travel Radar Media Ltd. 2024 | All Rights Reserved
Travel Radar - Aviation News > News > Aviation > Tragic Jeju Air Crash Claims 179 Lives in South Korea
AviationBreaking NewsIncidents & Accidents

Tragic Jeju Air Crash Claims 179 Lives in South Korea

Lauren James
Last updated: 30 December 2024 19:33
By Lauren James 4 Min Read
Share
Military personnel respond to the Jeju Air crash at Muan International Airport, inspecting the wreckage.
Military personnel investigate the aftermath of the Jeju Air crash at Muan International Airport, where 179 lives were tragically lost. © Reuters
SHARE

Tragedy struck at Muan International Airport in South Korea when Jeju Air Flight 7C2216 veered off the runway, crashed into a concrete wall and burst into flames. The Jeju Air Flight 7C2216 crash claimed the lives of 179 of the 181 people on board. Rescuers pulled two surviving crew members from the tail section.

Summary
Public CondolencesInvestigation UnderwaySouth Korea’s Worst Aviation Disaster in Decades

Public Condolences

King Charles and Queen Camilla offered their deepest condolences to the victims’ families and loved ones.

My wife and I were profoundly saddened to learn of the horrific air accident at Muan, which resulted in such grievous loss of life.

As the people of the Republic of Korea mourn this disaster, the families and loved ones of all the victims are in our prayers.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer expressed his sympathies, stating:

I send my deepest condolences to the victims and families of those who lost their lives in the tragic plane crash in Muan.

I pay tribute to the work of the emergency responders and my thoughts are with the people of the Republic of Korea and Thailand at this terrible time.

Relatives of passengers watch news about the Jeju Air crash at Muan International Airport.
Relatives of passengers watch the news regarding the fatal Jeju Air crash at Muan International Airport. © AP

Investigation Underway

South Korean authorities are leading an investigation into reports of a bird strike, which may have caused the landing gear to fail. Just before the crash, a passenger texted a relative saying a bird was stuck in the wing and then sent the terrifying message: “Should I say my last words?”

The control tower issued a bird strike warning just before the pilots called mayday. But aviation experts are not convinced, pointing out that while bird strikes are common, they rarely cause an aircraft to crash.

Muan’s fire chief Lee Jung-hyun said the wreckage was “unrecognisable” with only the tail section intact. Rescue has turned to recovery and officials set up a temporary morgue near the crash site.

Jeju Air CEO Kim E-bae apologised for the tragedy and pledged to do everything to support the families of the victims. The airline said that the 14-year-old aircraft had no history of accidents or technical problems.

The Jeju Air plane skidding along the runway at Muan International Airport, South Korea, without its landing gear deployed.
The Jeju Air plane skidding on the runway at Muan International Airport. © Lee Geun-young

South Korea’s Worst Aviation Disaster in Decades

This is South Korea’s worst aviation disaster since 1997. There were two Thai nationals on board, the remaining passengers were South Koreans. Acting President Choi Sang-mok promised the government will do everything to help with the aftermath.

Muan International Airport is one of the smaller airports in South Korea and has seen a surge in passengers in recent years, so questions are being asked about the safety measures. Jeju Air is South Korea’s largest low cost carrier and this is its first fatal accident.

Our thoughts are with the victims, their families and all those affected. We invite you to share your reflections in the comments.

You Might Also Like

Belfast International Airport Unveils First Upgrade in £100 Million Plan

Air Canada and The Landline Company Extend Agreement for Luxury Land-Air Connections

United Airlines Ventures Invests in Twelve for Sustainable Aviation Fuel

Abbas Sherif Alaskari: Exploring the World with an Architect’s Eye

Cathay Pacific Reopens Hong Kong International Airport’s The Bridge Lounge

Share This Article
Facebook Twitter Email Copy Link
What’s your thoughts?
Love0
Sad4
Happy0
Angry0
Lauren James
By Lauren James
I’m a journalism intern at Travel Radar, passionate about writing engaging stories and learning more about the world of travel and aviation. With a background in charity fundraising, marketing, and communications, I’m experienced in creating content that connects with audiences.
Previous Article Döner Kebab © The Silver Nomad A taste of Türkiye in the sky this 2025
Next Article An excavator is used to lift burnt chairs from the wreckage of an aircraft South Korea to inspect all Boeing B737-800 aircraft following crash
Leave a comment
Subscribe
Login
Notify of
guest
guest
0 Comments
Oldest
Newest Upvoted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

Stay Connected

FacebookLike
TwitterFollow
InstagramFollow
YoutubeSubscribe

Trending News

© Dream of Travel Writing
How travel can be a learning experience
Did You Know Travel Radar
© National Geographic
Travel as a Topic for a Reflective Essay
Did You Know Travel
Aeroplane with colourful tail and engines, flying against a backdrop of a bright blue sky with scattered clouds. The scene feels calm and serene.
Open call: TAP Air Portugal second edition of Altitude Film Fest
Airline Economics Airlines Aviation
Avianca Cargo Airbus A320 © Fabio Augusto Valencia
Avianca Cargo Appoints New CEO Diogo Elias
Airlines Aviation
Waterfront view of Hangzhou skyline, showcasing modern architecture with futuristic skyscrapers and the distinctive Lotus-Flower-Shaped building under a clear blue sky, reflecting in the river.
Emirates launches daily Dubai-Hangzhou flights this July
Airlines Aviation Route Development
//

Travel Radar is the leading digital hub for all things aviation and air-travel. Discover our latest aviation news, aviation data, insight and analysis.

Discover

  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Careers
  • Press & PR
  • Privacy & Legal

Our Content

  • News
  • Data
  • Images
  • Jobs
  • Subscribe

Sign Up for Our Newsletter

Subscribe to our newsletter to get our newest articles instantly!

Click here to Signup!

© Travel Radar Media Ltd. 2015-2025 | ISSN #2635-0696 | Trademark #UK00003579704
wpDiscuz
adbanner
AdBlock Detected
Ads help us bring you high-quality, independent journalism for free. Support us by whitelisting us from your ad blocker.
Okay, I'll Whitelist
Welcome to the TR Community!

Sign in to your account

Register Lost your password?