Devastating Loss Prompts Widespread Cancellation of Flights
Following the tragic incident where Jeju Air Flight 2216 resulted in the death of 179 passengers, the low-cost airline reported a significant surge in ticket cancellations. The crash occurred on Sunday at Muan International Airport, where a Boeing 737-800 carrying 181 passengers from Thailand to South Korea belly-landed, crashed into a barrier, and caught fire. Only two flight attendants survived the disaster.
Flight Cancellations Soar Post-Crash
Jeju Air officials revealed to AFP that from midnight Sunday to 1:00 pm Monday, the airline received about 68,000 cancellation requests. This included roughly 33,000 for domestic routes and 34,000 for international flights. Despite this, the airline noted that new bookings were still coming in, suggesting a mixed response from the public.
Travel Agencies and Public Response
Travel agencies across South Korea reported similar experiences, with one major agency noting at least 400 cancellations shortly after opening. Public anxiety about flying, particularly on the same type of aircraft involved in the crash, led to further cancellations. Many passengers were specifically inquiring if their flights were on a Boeing 737-800 before opting to cancel.
READ ALSO: Tragedy at Muan Airport: Jeju Air 737-800 Crash Claims Over 120 Lives
Consecutive Technical Issues Raise Safety Concerns
Adding to the airline’s woes, another Jeju Air flight from Seoul had to return to base due to landing gear issues, which was reported by Yonhap. This incident involved the same model of aircraft as the one in the Muan crash, escalating passengers’ safety concerns. As a result, 21 passengers opted out of boarding an alternative flight provided by the airline.
Financial Impact on Jeju Air and Related Companies
The stock market reacted sharply to the news, with Jeju Air’s shares dropping by as much as 15 percent on Monday. Shares of AK Holdings Inc., Jeju Air’s largest shareholder, also fell by more than 12 percent. The ripple effect was felt across the industry, with several domestic tour agency shares declining by over five percent.
