Jeju Air Flight Faces Landing Gear Issue Amid Safety Concerns
- Fahad Bin Khalid
- January 1, 2025
- 11:38 am
- 39
- Trending
Jeju Air safety incident concerns rose on Monday after a Jeju Air flight from Seoul encountered a landing gear issue shortly after takeoff. This incident occurred just a day after South Korea’s deadliest plane crash, intensifying scrutiny over aviation safety.
Landing Gear Issue Forces Emergency Return
Jeju Air Flight 7C101, a Boeing 737-800, departed Seoul’s Gimpo International Airport at 6:37 a.m., bound for Jeju Island. Within minutes, the aircraft’s monitoring system detected a landing gear problem. By 6:57 a.m., the captain had communicated the issue to ground control and attempted corrective measures. Although the landing gear returned to normal operation, the captain decided to return to Gimpo for a thorough inspection.
The plane landed safely at 7:25 a.m., and all passengers disembarked without injury. However, 21 passengers refused to board an alternate flight, expressing concerns about safety following the recent crash involving the same aircraft model.
Boeing 737-800 Under Scrutiny
Jeju Air operates a fleet of 41 planes, 39 of which are Boeing 737-800s. This model was also involved in Sunday’s tragic crash at Muan Airport. The crash claimed 179 lives when a Boeing 737-800 carrying 181 passengers and crew from Thailand to South Korea issued a mayday call, belly-landed, and burst into flames. Only two flight attendants survived the incident.
In light of these events, South Korea’s transport ministry announced plans to inspect all 101 Boeing 737-800 planes operating in the country. Joo Jong-wan, head of the aviation policy bureau, emphasized the importance of “rigorous aviation safety inspections” to address these recent issues.
Passengers Voice Safety Concerns
Monday’s Jeju Air safety incident added to growing fears among passengers. Many questioned the reliability of the Boeing 737-800 after two major incidents in less than 48 hours. The refusal of 21 passengers to board a replacement flight underscores the urgency of restoring public confidence in aviation safety.
Government Plans Special Inspections
South Korea’s government is preparing a comprehensive inspection of all Boeing 737-800 planes. Officials aim to identify potential vulnerabilities in these aircraft and implement stricter safety protocols. Song Kyung-hoon, Jeju Air’s management support head, reassured the public that safety remains the airline’s top priority.
Aviation Safety Under the Spotlight
The recent Jeju Air safety incident and Sunday’s devastating crash have placed South Korea’s aviation industry under intense scrutiny. As authorities ramp up inspections and airlines prioritize passenger safety, the focus remains on preventing further tragedies and ensuring confidence in air travel.
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