Eastar Jet Crew Under Investigation for Unauthorized Photoshoot
ID 133678455 | Airline © Denis Kabelev | Dreamstime.com
Eastar Jet, a South Korean budget airline, has initiated an investigation following an incident where flight attendants conducted an unauthorized photoshoot on the wing of an aircraft during a delay at Cheongju International Airport (CJJ). The event has raised significant safety and security concerns, particularly given the airport’s status as a military facility.
Incident Overview
On February 12, 2025, Eastar Jet Flight 703, scheduled to depart from Cheongju International Airport to Jeju International Airport (CJU) at 10:20 a.m., experienced a delay exceeding one hour due to heavy snowfall. During this period, several crew members opened the overwing emergency exit and proceeded to pose for photographs on the aircraft’s left wing. Images captured from a distance depict three uniformed flight attendants standing on the wing of the Boeing 737-800, engaging in an impromptu photoshoot.
Airline Response
In response to the incident, Eastar Jet stated that the emergency exit was opened as part of a training exercise conducted during the delay. A spokesperson for the airline explained, “The airline took advantage of the waiting time caused by heavy snow and conducted an emergency exit training that is normally difficult to carry out.” However, the airline acknowledged that the subsequent photoshoot was unauthorized and inappropriate. An internal investigation has been launched to address the misconduct, and Eastar Jet has pledged to implement appropriate measures based on the findings.
Security and Legal Implications
Cheongju International Airport serves as a military facility protection zone, where unauthorized photography is strictly prohibited. Under the Protection of Military Bases and Installation Act, individuals found taking photographs without proper authorization at such facilities may face penalties, including imprisonment for up to three years or fines up to 30 million KRW (approximately $20,000 USD). The actions of the crew members not only breached company protocols but also violated national security regulations, potentially leading to legal repercussions.
Industry and Public Reaction
The incident has sparked widespread criticism from both industry professionals and the public. Aviation safety experts emphasize that crew members are expected to adhere to strict safety and security protocols, and any deviation can undermine passenger trust and safety standards. The unauthorized photoshoot is viewed as a serious lapse in judgment, reflecting poorly on the airline’s safety culture and training programs.
Bottom Line
The unauthorized photoshoot conducted by Eastar Jet crew members on an aircraft wing at Cheongju International Airport has highlighted critical lapses in adherence to safety and security protocols. While the airline has initiated an investigation and acknowledged the inappropriateness of the crew’s actions, this incident underscores the necessity for rigorous enforcement of operational guidelines, especially in sensitive areas such as military-designated facilities. Ensuring that all airline personnel are thoroughly trained and consistently comply with established procedures is paramount to maintaining safety and public trust in the aviation industry.
