South Korea has announced an extension of the shutdown at Muan International Airport until January 14 to allow for a thorough investigation into the December 29 crash of a Jeju Air Boeing 737-800. The tragic incident claimed the lives of all 179 passengers and crew on board, marking the deadliest air accident in the country’s history.
Initially set to reopen on Tuesday, the airport’s operations remain suspended as investigators intensify efforts to uncover the cause of the crash. A joint investigation team, including South Korean and U.S. officials, is conducting a meticulous analysis of the wreckage. On Monday, two Korean investigators departed for the United States, carrying the plane’s flight data recorders to collaborate with the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).
The flight data recorders and cockpit voice recorders—commonly referred to as black boxes—are crucial in reconstructing the events leading to the crash. Over the weekend, investigators successfully retrieved two engines from the wreckage and compiled the complete transcript from the cockpit voice recorder. While the transcript provides valuable insights, it remains unclear whether it will be made public.
Additionally, representatives from General Electric (GE), the engine manufacturer, have joined the investigation to examine the engines’ performance and potential technical faults.
In response to safety concerns, South Korea’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport has extended inspections of all Boeing 737-800 aircraft operated by Jeju Air and five other airlines in the country. These inspections, originally set to conclude by January 10, include detailed reviews of maintenance records and operational procedures.
The extended shutdown of Muan International Airport has caused significant disruptions to travel and cargo operations, prompting the government to explore alternative solutions for affected airlines and passengers.
The probe into the crash continues to be a top priority for South Korean authorities, who have pledged to implement stricter safety measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
