Jeju Air is under intense scrutiny following a second safety-related incident, just one day after a tragic crash at Muan International Airport (MWX) claimed 179 lives. On December 29, 2024, a Jeju Air flight, 7C101, en route from Gimpo International Airport (GMP) to Jeju International Airport (CJU), was forced to return to GMP after a mechanical issue with its landing gear was detected shortly after takeoff.
The Boeing 737-800 involved, registered as HL8258, safely executed an emergency landing with 161 passengers and crew on board. No injuries were reported, and passengers were transferred to a replacement aircraft to complete their journey. However, this second incident has amplified concerns about Jeju Air’s operational safety and fleet maintenance practices.
Mechanical Issues Raise Operational Questions
The emergency landing was initiated after the flight crew identified an anomaly with the landing gear system during initial climb. Air traffic control at GMP was alerted, and emergency response teams were mobilized to prepare for a possible hard landing. Fortunately, the aircraft landed without incident, and passengers were evacuated in an orderly manner.
Jeju Air has stated that the mechanical issue is under investigation and that the aircraft in question has been removed from service for a comprehensive inspection. “The safety of our passengers and crew remains our highest priority,” the airline said in a statement. “We are working closely with aviation authorities to address this matter.”
This incident comes as Jeju Air grapples with the fallout from the devastating crash of Flight 7C607 at Muan International Airport (MWX) on December 28, 2024. The earlier tragedy involved another Boeing 737-800, registered as HL8271, which overran the runway in poor visibility conditions and collided with a barrier wall, resulting in a fireball that claimed nearly all lives onboard.
While investigators from South Korea’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport (MOLIT) are still examining the cause of the crash, the airline’s safety protocols and maintenance standards have come under intense public and regulatory scrutiny. The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and Boeing are assisting with the ongoing investigation.
Implications for Fleet Maintenance
Jeju Air operates a fleet primarily consisting of Boeing 737-800 aircraft, a workhorse model widely used in the aviation industry. The airline’s reliance on a single aircraft type has raised questions about the consistency and quality of its maintenance procedures. Aviation experts have called for a thorough audit of the airline’s maintenance records and operational safety protocols to restore confidence in its operations.
The dual incidents are a stark reminder of the importance of robust safety measures and diligent fleet management, especially in high-frequency networks like those operated by Jeju Air. As investigations unfold, the airline faces the challenge of regaining public trust and ensuring compliance with international safety standards.
