South Korea Mandates Safety Over Profit for Budget Airlines Post-Crash

In the wake of a catastrophic crash involving Jeju Air, South Korea is taking decisive steps to bolster safety within its budget airline sector. The incident, which occurred last month, resulted in the loss of 179 lives when a Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 struck a concrete wall at Muan International Airport. In response, the transportation ministry convened a meeting with the country's nine low-cost carriers, urging them to adopt strategies prioritizing safety over profitability.

During the meeting, the ministry urged airlines to implement reductions in average daily flight hours and to enhance both pilot training programs and maintenance crew sizes. While no specific targets were mandated, the ministry emphasized the need for airlines to submit their own safety proposals. In a proactive response, Jeju Air announced plans to decrease its average daily flight time to 12.8 hours from the previous 14 and to hire an additional 41 maintenance workers, bringing their total to 350 personnel.

Although investigations currently do not point to maintenance issues or pilot error as contributing factors in the incident, all possible scenarios—including bird strikes impacting engine and electrical systems—are under scrutiny. The ministry's firm stance highlights that airlines failing to prioritize safety risk alienating travelers, potentially leading to their operational demise. Furthermore, the government has reiterated its willingness to revoke flight certificates for any carrier neglecting safety standards, marking a crucial step toward restoring public trust in South Korea's aviation industry.

As a result of the tragedy, travel agencies report a decline in bookings, demonstrating the impact of the incident on public confidence. The ministry aims to ensure that South Korea's aviation sector adheres rigorously to safety protocols, preventing future disasters and safeguarding lives.