Jeju Air

Jeju Air is a South Korean airline. The airline is newsworthy due to a fatal crash in December 2024 at Muan International Airport involving a Boeing 737-800. The crash, which resulted in 179 fatalities, occurred when the aircraft belly-landed and overran the runway after being struck by birds. A subsequent report by the state auditor revealed that South Korea’s transport ministry had prioritized cost reduction over safety for over two decades, approving improper airport safety structures. A computer simulation indicated that the concrete wall at the end of the runway was a major contributing factor to the deaths, suggesting that passengers would have survived if the wall had been made of breakable materials. This incident highlights significant concerns regarding aviation safety standards and regulatory oversight in South Korea, impacting Jeju Air's reputation and raising questions about future safety protocols.