South Korea extends closure of airport where Jeju Air plane crashed

South Korean authorities have extended the closure of Muan International Airport until January 14, following a tragic crash of Jeju Air Flight 2216 on December 29 that claimed 179 lives. The announcement, made by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport on January 6, highlights the ongoing investigation into the accident, which has involved both South Korean and U.S. experts, including representatives from the aircraft manufacturer, Boeing.

Details of the Accident
Jeju Air Flight 2216, a Boeing 737-800, was en route from Bangkok, Thailand, to South Korea, carrying 181 people on board, primarily South Korean holidaymakers. Upon attempting to land at Muan International Airport, the aircraft belly-landed and crashed into a concrete barrier, erupting into flames. While two crew members survived, all 179 passengers perished.

Preliminary investigations suggest a combination of factors might have contributed to the disaster:

Bird Strike: The pilot reported a bird strike before aborting the first landing attempt.
Faulty Landing Gear: The landing gear reportedly failed to deploy during the second attempt.
Runway Barrier: The aircraft struck a concrete barrier on the runway.
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities have conducted search-and-seizure operations at various locations, including Muan Airport, a regional aviation office, and Jeju Air’s headquarters in Seoul. While the exact cause of the crash remains undetermined, investigators are focusing on mechanical failures, the bird strike, and runway conditions.

Deputy Minister for Civil Aviation Joo Jong-wan hinted that the closure of the airport might be extended further depending on the progress of the investigation.

Aftermath
The crash has led to a profound sense of national mourning. Memorials have been set up across South Korea to honor the victims, with the government assisting in the process of returning the remains to their families. Acting Interior Minister Ko Ki-dong confirmed that all bodies would be handed over to families by January 6, enabling them to hold funerals after a week of waiting.

The tragedy has raised concerns about aviation safety in South Korea, prompting authorities to scrutinize protocols and safety measures at regional airports.

Broader Implications
The crash has drawn attention to potential vulnerabilities in aviation safety, including bird-strike mitigation measures and the adequacy of emergency procedures at smaller regional airports like Muan. It has also intensified calls for accountability from Jeju Air and aviation authorities.