In Response to Tragedy, Airline Implements Flight Reductions and Reviews Operations to Improve Safety Standards

Jeju Air, the South Korean budget airline reeling from the tragic crash at Muan International Airport on December 29, 2024, has announced plans to cancel approximately 1,900 flights by March in a bid to strengthen operational safety. The decision comes in the wake of the deadly accident, which has raised concerns over the airline’s safety protocols.

Song Kyung-hoon, head of the airline’s management support division, confirmed during a briefing on January 3 that the flight cuts would affect both domestic and international routes. Major international routes to destinations such as Japan and Southeast Asia will be prioritised for reductions, particularly those with frequent services, such as flights to Tokyo, Osaka, and Fukuoka in Japan, as well as Da Nang in Vietnam.

The airline intends to minimise disruption to passengers by focusing on flights with more than two daily departures, thus reducing the impact on those with existing reservations. Song explained that the reductions to domestic services could commence as early as next week, with international flight cuts beginning in the third week of January. Overall, Jeju Air aims to reduce its flight operations by up to 15% during the winter period.

In the immediate aftermath of the crash, Jeju Air had to cancel around 67,000 reservations, with 33,000 domestic and 34,000 international bookings affected. This led to fears of a financial shortfall for the airline. However, Song reassured the public that despite these cancellations, Jeju Air had secured approximately 140 billion won (S$242 million) in cash reserves, ensuring no liquidity problems.

In the investigation following the crash, the South Jeolla Provincial Police Agency imposed a travel ban on Jeju Air’s CEO, Kim E-bae, and conducted a search at the company’s headquarters in Seoul on January 2. The investigation is ongoing to determine the cause of the crash, and Jeju Air has pledged full cooperation with authorities.

Discussions surrounding compensation for the families of those lost in the tragedy are underway, though exact figures regarding funeral expenses and support payments have yet to be finalised.