In the wake of a tragic accident involving a Jeju Air Boeing 737 that crashed at Muan International Airport in South Korea on Sunday, another aircraft of the same model has encountered mechanical issues, raising concerns about the safety of the fleet.
On Monday morning, Flight 7C101 departed from Seoul’s Gimpo International Airport bound for Jeju Island. Shortly after takeoff at 6:37 a.m. local time, the crew detected a landing gear malfunction. With 161 passengers on board, the pilots promptly informed everyone of the situation and made the critical decision to return to Gimpo Airport.
The flight landed safely back at Gimpo at 7:25 a.m., where passengers were accommodated while the airline arranged for a replacement aircraft. Jeju Air confirmed that the aircraft involved was a Boeing 737-800, the same model as the one involved in the Muan International Airport crash the previous day.
A spokesperson for Jeju Air stated, “The safety of our passengers is our utmost priority. We apologize for any inconvenience caused and are conducting thorough inspections to ensure the safety of our operations.”
The incident follows closely on the heels of Sunday’s fatal crash, where a Jeju Air Boeing 737 veered off the runway and burst into flames upon landing at Muan International Airport. The back-to-back incidents have prompted scrutiny from aviation authorities and have unsettled passengers who rely on the airline for travel within South Korea and the region.
Jeju Air has assured the public that it is cooperating fully with investigators and is taking all necessary measures to address any safety concerns. The airline is a major carrier in South Korea, operating numerous flights across Asia and serving as a crucial link for both business and leisure travelers.
Aviation experts suggest that while mechanical issues can occur, it is unusual for similar incidents to happen in such close succession. They emphasize the importance of rigorous maintenance protocols and transparent communication with the public to maintain trust in air travel safety.
The aviation community and passengers alike will be closely monitoring the outcomes of the investigations and any subsequent actions taken by Jeju Air and aviation regulators. These incidents highlight the critical importance of safety in the rapidly growing Asian aviation market.
Reference(s):
Another Jeju Air Boeing 737 jet experiences landing-gear issue
cgtn.com
