South Korea’s acting leader has called for an emergency safety review of all airline operations across the country following the deadliest plane crash in its history, which claimed 179 lives.
The Jeju Air aircraft burst into flames as it crash-landed at Muan International Airport, leaving only two crew members alive.
Acting President Choi Sang-mok has urged investigators to swiftly share their findings with the families of the victims.
This directive comes amid further safety concerns, as another Jeju Air flight was forced to return to Seoul shortly after takeoff on Monday due to a landing gear issue.
The Monday flight departed from Gimpo International Airport at 06:35 local time (21:35 GMT Sunday) but returned within an hour after discovering a mechanical defect, South Korea’s Yonhap news agency reported.
The landing gear, which supports the plane during takeoff, taxiing, and landing, was identified as the source of the issue.
The aircraft involved in the return flight was a Boeing B737-800—the same model as the one in Sunday’s tragic crash. Thirty-nine of Jeju Air’s 41 aircraft are of this model.
Boeing has stated that it is in contact with Jeju Air and is prepared to provide support.
Flight 7C2216, the ill-fated plane, was carrying passengers aged between three and 78, most of whom were in their 40s, 50s, and 60s.
Two Thai nationals were among the victims, while the rest are believed to be South Korean, according to authorities.
The plane skidded off the runway after touching down and crashed into a wall shortly after 09:00 local time (00:00 GMT) on Sunday.
A South Korean transport official revealed that the aircraft had been instructed to delay landing due to a bird strike warning issued by air traffic control. Permission to land was later granted from the opposite direction.
Following the crash, Jeju Air executives issued a public apology, bowing deeply during a press conference on Sunday.
“We deeply apologise to all those affected by the incident. We will make every effort to resolve the situation,” the firm said in a statement.
Jeju Air shares were trading around 8% lower in Seoul on Monday.
The accident is a national tragedy for South Korea, which has been embroiled in political turmoil after parliament voted to impech President Yoon Suk Yeol and his temporary successor Han Duck-soo.
Acting President Choi, who stepped into the interim role only on Friday, said he is “heartbroken” by the accident.
“To the honorable citizens of our nation, as an acting president, my heart aches as we face this unforeseen tragedy amid recent economic hardships,” he said.