Jeju Air Crash Triggers Mass Trip Cancellations in South Korea

SEOUL – Following the catastrophic crash of Jeju Air Flight 2216, which claimed 179 lives on Sunday, the airline is experiencing a surge in cancellations, further compounding the tragedy’s impact.

The Jeju Air Boeing 737-800, en route from Thailand to South Korea, made a mayday call before belly-landing, crashing into a barrier, and bursting into flames at Muan International Airport. Only two flight attendants survived the devastating accident.

Mass Cancellations and Customer Concerns

From midnight on Sunday to 1:00 PM Monday (0400 GMT), Jeju Air reported approximately 68,000 flight cancellations:

• Domestic flights: 33,000 cancellations
• International flights: 34,000 cancellations

Despite the sharp rise in cancellations, the airline noted a steady inflow of new bookings.

“Given the current situation, the cancellation rate is slightly higher than usual. However, the inflow of new bookings remains steady,” said Song Kyung-hoon, head of Jeju Air’s management support office.

Travel Agencies and Passenger Anxiety

Major travel agencies also reported a spike in cancellations, citing traveler anxiety.

“We received at least 400 cancellations in the first hour of opening,” a representative from one of South Korea’s largest travel agencies said. Many customers asked if their flights were on a Boeing 737-800, with many opting to cancel if the aircraft was involved.

Adding to the unease, a Jeju Air flight from Seoul on Monday experienced a landing gear issue, forcing it to return to the airport. Twenty-one passengers refused to board an alternate flight after the aircraft landed safely.

Market Impact

The crash has significantly affected Jeju Air’s financial performance:

• Jeju Air shares: Fell by 15% on Monday
• AK Holdings Inc (largest stakeholder): Declined by over 12%
• Domestic tour agency shares: Dropped more than 5%

A Nation in Mourning

Sunday’s accident marks the deadliest aviation disaster in South Korean history, prompting widespread travel anxiety and triggering an air safety probe.

As the country grapples with the tragedy, industry stakeholders brace for ongoing financial and reputational fallout while emphasizing the importance of restoring traveler confidence.