Jeju Air to Cut 1,900 Flights Following Tragic Crash, Focus on Key International Routes
In the wake of a devastating crash that claimed 179 lives out of 181 aboard, South Korea’s Jeju Air announced plans to reduce approximately 1,900 flights by March. The airline intends to cut 15% of its operations, with a focus on international routes, especially those to Japan and Southeast Asia.
The crash occurred on December 29 when Flight 2216, traveling from Thailand, made an emergency landing at Muan International Airport. The aircraft skidded off the runway and collided with a concrete structure, sparking a fiery explosion. Following this tragic incident, Jeju Air is prioritizing enhanced operational safety checks.
Song Kyung-hoon, head of Jeju Air’s management support division, stated that international flights on high-frequency routes, such as those to Tokyo, Osaka, Fukuoka, and Da Nang, would be most affected by the reductions. The airline will assist passengers by offering alternative flight options once the necessary administrative procedures are completed.
The crash has already led to the cancellation of over 67,000 reservations, including 33,000 domestic and 34,000 international bookings. Authorities continue their investigation, and on December 30, teams began recovering parts of the aircraft, including the tail and engine sections.
Jeju Air’s move to reduce flight operations comes as part of ongoing efforts to ensure passenger safety and recover from the aftermath of the tragedy.
News Source : “Information for this article was gathered from a variety of reliable news outlets.”
