A Jeju Air passenger aircraft, Flight 7C2216, met with a tragic accident on Sunday morning after veering off the runway during landing at Muan International Airport, resulting in multiple fatalities and injuries. The devastating incident has sent shockwaves across South Korea and the international community, prompting immediate investigations into its cause.
According to local media reports, including South Korea’s Yonhap News Agency, more than a dozen people have lost their lives in the crash, with at least 28 confirmed dead as of the latest updates. Several others remain in critical condition, and the number of casualties may rise as rescue operations and medical evaluations continue.
The aircraft, a Boeing 737, was carrying 175 passengers and six crew members on board. Flight 7C2216 had departed from Bangkok, Thailand, and was scheduled to land in Muan around 9:00 AM local time. Upon touchdown, the aircraft reportedly veered off the runway under still-unclear circumstances and collided with a concrete wall bordering the airfield.
Immediate Emergency Response
Emergency services at Muan International Airport responded within minutes of the crash, initiating full-scale evacuation and rescue operations. Firefighters worked swiftly to contain the situation, while paramedics and medical personnel rushed to transport the injured to nearby hospitals. The airport’s disaster response protocol was activated, with additional support from national emergency units and military rescue teams.
Witnesses at the scene described a chaotic and harrowing situation, with smoke and debris visible from the terminal building. “The plane made a loud screeching sound before it left the runway,” said one passenger who survived the crash with minor injuries. “We felt a violent shake, and then everything went dark for a moment.”
Airline Statement and Support for Victims
Jeju Air has expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy and pledged its full cooperation with authorities to determine the cause of the accident. In a brief statement, the airline said:
“We are heartbroken by the loss of life in today’s accident involving Flight 7C2216. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones of those who perished, as well as with the survivors who are recovering from their injuries. Jeju Air is working closely with South Korean aviation authorities to ensure a thorough investigation. We are providing immediate assistance and counseling services to the victims’ families.”
The airline has also established a dedicated hotline for family members seeking information and has deployed a crisis management team to Muan International Airport to support survivors and coordinate relief measures.
Investigation Underway
South Korea’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport (MOLIT) has launched an official investigation into the incident. Preliminary reports indicate that weather conditions at the time of landing were stable, suggesting that other factors — including potential technical malfunctions, runway conditions, or pilot error — will be closely examined.
Officials from Boeing and the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are expected to participate in the inquiry, in accordance with international aviation accident protocols. Black box recorders from the aircraft will be retrieved and analyzed to shed light on the final moments before the crash.
Airport Operations Temporarily Suspended
Following the accident, Muan International Airport has suspended all flight operations until further notice to allow rescue and investigation teams unrestricted access to the crash site. Passengers scheduled to travel via Muan are being re-routed to other regional airports, including Gwangju and Incheon.
National Mourning and Global Condolences
The South Korean government has expressed deep condolences to the victims and their families. President Yoon Suk-yeol issued a statement, saying:
“This is a tragic day for our nation. We mourn the loss of innocent lives and stand united in grief. The government will do everything possible to support the victims’ families and ensure that the cause of this terrible accident is swiftly determined.”
Messages of sympathy have also poured in from leaders worldwide, including from Thailand, where the flight originated, as well as from neighboring Asian nations.
Safety Record and Broader Implications
While South Korea has maintained a strong aviation safety record in recent years, this incident marks one of the deadliest air disasters in the country in more than a decade. The tragedy is expected to reignite discussions on runway safety, pilot training, and emergency preparedness protocols at regional airports.
Aviation analysts note that runway excursions — where an aircraft departs from the runway during landing or takeoff — can occur for a variety of reasons, and determining the exact cause will require a detailed review of flight data and maintenance records.
Commitment to Transparency and Safety
Both Jeju Air and South Korean aviation authorities have pledged transparency throughout the investigation process. Regular updates will be provided to the public as new information emerges. In the meantime, counseling centers have been set up in Muan and other major cities to assist grieving families and traumatized survivors.
