Air traffic controllers warned pilots on a plane that crashed at an airport in South Korea, killing 179 passengers and crew, of a possible bird strike moments before it landed.
Authorities have confirmed that all 175 passengers, as well as four of the six crew, were killed in the incident at Muan international airport on Sunday morning. The only two survivors were crew sitting at the back of the plane at the time of the crash.
It is the deadliest plane crash on South Korean soil in its history.
Acting South Korean President Choi Sang-mok announced a seven-day period of national mourning, starting Sunday, and lasting until midnight on Saturday.
The country’s transport ministry has confirmed that air traffic controllers warned the pilots of the ill-fated flight about a bird strike risk just three minutes before the plane landed. The pilot then declared a mayday one minute later before trying to land the plane.
But experts have expressed scepticism that a collision with a bird could cause such damage.
Key Points
- South Korean president announces national period of mourning
- Jeju Air CEO apologises for plane crash at airport in South Korea
- King Charles and Queen ‘profoundly saddened’ by crash
- Three-year-old boy youngest of 179 killed
- Why was there a concrete wall at end of runway?
- At least 179 people killed, say authorities
South Korea orders air safety probe after Jeju Air crash
03:16
Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
South Korea’s acting president Choi Sang-mok has ordered an emergency safety inspection of the country’s entire airline operation system as investigators worked to identify victims of the Jeju Air crash.
All 175 passengers and four of the six crew were killed when a Jeju Air flight elly-landed and skidded off the end of the runway at Muan International Airport, erupting in a fireball as it slammed into a wall. Two crew members were pulled out alive.
“Even before the final results are out, we ask that officials transparently disclose the accident investigation process and promptly inform the bereaved families,” Mr Choi said.
“As soon as the accident recovery is conducted, the transport ministry is requested to conduct an emergency safety inspection of the entire aircraft operation system to prevent recurrence of aircraft accidents,” he said.
The transport ministry said authorities were considering whether to conduct a special inspection of all 101 Boeing 737-800 aircraft operated by South Korean airliners.
South Korean president announces national period of mourning
03:00
Jabed Ahmed
Acting South Korean President Choi Sang-mok announced a period of national mourning over the deadly plane crash.
“We extend our deepest condolences and sympathy to the bereaved families of those who lost their lives in this unexpected tragedy,” Choi said, according to Yonhap news agency.
He declared a seven-day national mourning period, starting Sunday, and lasting until midnight on Saturday.
Lammy offers condolences after plane crash in South Korea kills at least 177
02:30
Jabed Ahmed
What do we know about the aircraft involved?
02:00
Jabed Ahmed
The Boeing 737-800 involved in the accident was originally ordered by Ryanair and delivered to the airline’s Dublin base on 4 September 2009. It flew for the Irish carrier for seven years. In November 2016 it was withdrawn from use. Ryanair maintains a younger fleet than many airlines.
The 737 was returned to the lessor SMBC Aviation Capital. In February 2017 it was leased to Jeju Air, and flew from Dublin via Baku to Seoul Gimpo airport.
Since then it has been used for high-frequency regional flights. In the week before the accident, the aircraft flew mainly to and from Muan and the holiday island of Jeju. Destinations included Bangkok, Nagasaki, Taipei, Kota Kinabalu and Beijing.
Two days before the crash, the Boeing 737 was on a routine flight from Jeju to Beijing when it diverted to South Korea’s main airport, Incheon. The flight later continued to the Chinese capital.
Watch: Emergency workers assess Jeju Air crash site at South Korea's Muan airport
01:30
Jabed Ahmed
Plane crash highlights importance of government stability
01:00
Jabed Ahmed
The plane crash has brought attention to the possible threats to disaster response posed by turmoil in government.
South Korea’s government has been in upheaval after former president Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law earlier this month and was then suspended.
In the moments following the disaster, there were positive indications. Seemingly putting aside their previous hostility, South Korea’s rival political groups responded to the tragedy with their own plans.
According to the Hankyoreh newspaper, Lee Jae-myung, the leader of the opposition Democratic party, departed for Muan and intends to remain there permanently to assist with rescue efforts. However, he will remain away from the crash site while recovery works are underway.
In the meantime, a taskforce headed by the ruling People Power party was established with the objective of looking into the incident and helping the families of the dead.
On Monday, taskforce members and the party’s acting leader, Kweon Seong-dong, will travel to Muan to “review accident response measures and prevention strategies” and visit the families of the deceased.
Why did the South Korean Jeju Air flight crash, killing 179? Experts question bird strike claims
00:31
Jabed Ahmed
Plane crash is ‘puzzling’, expert says
Sunday 29 December 2024 23:59
Jabed Ahmed
The plane crash contained "several contradictions", an aviation expert has said.
Captain Mike Vivian, former head of flight operations at the Civil Aviation Authority, told Sky News: “They [Boeing 737] are very stable, solid aircraft. They have a long pedigree.
“The pilots can cope with emergencies individually. Multiple emergencies coming together are difficult and they’re particularly difficult in the landing phase.”
The brick wall it struck was "not necessarily" exempt from international laws, but given that it caused the plane to explode, it is "another matter" if it was too strong, he added.
“It is a puzzling accident this - there are several contradictions.”
Flames reportedly seen from one of the engines could be consistent with the ingestion of a bird, but that wouldn’t necessarily stop the engine altogether, Captain Vivian added.
Another Jeju Air jet experienced landing-gear issue Monday and returned, Yonhap reports
Sunday 29 December 2024 23:43
Jabed Ahmed
A Jeju Air passenger jet that departed Gimpo Airport in Seoul for Jeju on Monday experienced an unidentified landing-gear issue after takeoff and returned to Gimpo where it landed safely, Yonhap news reported, citing an unnamed source.
Flying remains extremely safe despite latest plane tragedies over Christmas
Sunday 29 December 2024 23:30
Jabed Ahmed
Watch: Moment Jeju Air plane skids along South Korea runway before crash
Sunday 29 December 2024 23:01
Jabed Ahmed
Roundup: Distraught families want answers after 179 people die in South Korea’s deadliest domestic air disaster
Sunday 29 December 2024 22:01
Jabed Ahmed
Read the full report on today’s events:
Why was there a concrete wall at end of runway?
Sunday 29 December 2024 21:33
Jabed Ahmed
The Jeju Air flight from Bangkok crashed while attempting to land at Muan International Airport in southwestern South Korea on Sunday morning. Footage showed the Boeing 737-800 “belly landing” without landing gear and sliding at high speed along the runway before hitting the wall.
Satellite maps show the concrete structure has stood at the southern end of the runway close to the perimeter fence for many years.
It holds the instrument landing system which helps pilots land at night or when visibility is poor.
At most airports, these systems are placed on collapsible structures.
The brick wall it struck was not necessarily exempt from international laws, but given that it caused the plane to explode, it may have been too strong.
If the plane had not struck the wall it would have hit through a perimeter fence, travelled over a road and likely stopped in an adjacent field.
The country’s deputy transport minister Joo Jong-wan said the runway’s 2,800m length was not a contributing factor in the crash - and maintained that walls at the ends were built to industry standards.
Explained: Everything we know about South Korea’s worst domestic air disaster
Sunday 29 December 2024 21:29
Jabed Ahmed
Joe Biden offers US assistance to South Korea
Sunday 29 December 2024 20:59
Jabed Ahmed
US President Joe Biden has said the United States is prepared to provide any necessary assistance to South Korea after a deadly plane crash in Muan.
“As close allies, the American people share deep bonds of friendship with the South Korean people and our thoughts and prayers are with those impacted by this tragedy,” Biden said in a statement. “The United States stands ready to provide any necessary assistance.”
Survivor able to communicate in hospital
Sunday 29 December 2024 20:28
Jabed Ahmed
A 33-year-old flight attendant from the Jeju Air plane told doctors he had already been rescued when he woke up, according to news agency Yonhap.
He was first taken to a hospital in Mokpo, about 25km (15.5 miles) south of the airport, but was later transferred to Ewha Womans University Seoul Hospital in the capital.
“He’s fully able to communicate,” Mr Ju said. “There’s no indication yet of memory loss or such.”
Lee was sitting in the back of the plane and remembers touching down, but nothing after that. When he arrived at the hospital, he simply asked: “What happened?”
The survivor, who suffered multiple fractures, is receiving special care due to the risk of after-effects, including total paralysis, the news agency added.
Key timings of the crash
Sunday 29 December 2024 19:59
Jabed Ahmed
Below, we have some key timings of the Jeju Air plane crash earlier today, according to South Korea’s transport ministry. They show local times in South Korea.
08:57 a.m. - Control tower issued a bird strike warning
08:59 a.m. - Mayday call
09:03 a.m. - Runway crash
11:30 a.m. - Flight data recorder recovered
2:24 p.m. - Cockpit voice recorder recovered
Full report: Plane crash kills 179 in South Korea as Jeju Air flight hits wall
Sunday 29 December 2024 19:19
Jabed Ahmed
Father of woman killed says the tragedy is unbelievable
Sunday 29 December 2024 18:59
Jabed Ahmed
Jeon Je-young keeps playing the video of the plane with his daughter and another 180 people on board slamming into a wall and bursting into flames at a South Korean airport.
His daughter Mi-sook died on board. He still can’t believe it.
“When I saw the accident video, the plane seemed out of control,” 71-year-old Jeon told Reuters. “The pilots probably had no choice but to do it. My daughter, who is only in her mid-40s, ended up like this. This is unbelievable.”
Mi-sook was a warm-hearted child, he said. She brought some food and next year’s calendar to his house on 21 December, which became his last brief moment with her.
“She is much nicer than my son, sometimes asking me to go out for a meal,” Jeon recalled, showing his last exchanges with his daughter on his mobile phone.
Jeon’s daughter had been on her way home after travelling with friends to Bangkok for the Christmas holiday. She leaves behind a devastated family, including a husband and teenage daughter.
“The water near the airport is not deep. Here are softer fields than this cement runway. Why couldn’t the pilot land there instead?” Jeon said.
“She was almost home, so (she saw) no need to call the family (to leave any final message). She thought she was coming home,” Jeon said.
South Korean president announces national period of mourning
Sunday 29 December 2024 18:39
Jabed Ahmed
Acting South Korean President Choi Sang-mok has announced a period of national mourning over the deadly plane crash, local media reported.
“We extend our deepest condolences and sympathy to the bereaved families of those who lost their lives in this unexpected tragedy,” Choi said, according to Yonhap news agency.
He declared a seven-day national mourning period, starting Sunday, and lasting until midnight on Saturday.
South Korean health ministry to provide counseling services to greiving families
Sunday 29 December 2024 18:19
Jabed Ahmed
The South Korean health ministry has sent funeral directors to help with funeral preparations and planned to offer professional counselling to the injured and family members of the victims, according to Yonhap news agency.
US investigators help South Korea in probe after crash
Sunday 29 December 2024 17:59
Jabed Ahmed
The National Transportation Safety Board is leading a team of US investigators to help South Korea‘s aviation authority in its investigation of the Jeju Air crash in Muan, the agency said.
Planemaker Boeing BA.N and the Federal Aviation Administration are participating, NTSB said.
Why did the South Korean Jeju Air flight crash, killing 179? Experts question bird strike claims
Sunday 29 December 2024 17:39
Jabed Ahmed
My colleague Tom Watling reports:
Keir Starmer pays tribute
Sunday 29 December 2024 17:17
Jabed Ahmed
Sir Keir Starmer has sent his “deepest condolences” to the victims of a plane crash in South Korea which killed 179 people.
“I send my deepest condolences to the victims and families of those who lost their lives in the tragic plane crash in Muan,” the Prime Minister said.
“I pay tribute to the work of the emergency responders and my thoughts are with the people of the Republic of Korea and Thailand at this terrible time.”
King Charles and Queen ‘profoundly saddened’ by crash
Sunday 29 December 2024 16:57
Jabed Ahmed
The King has paid tribute to the victims of a plane crash in South Korea which claimed the lives of 179 people.
“My wife and I were profoundly saddened to learn of the horrific air accident at Muan, which resulted in such grievous loss of life,” the King said in a statement.
“As the people of the Republic of Korea mourn this disaster, the families and loved ones of all the victims are in our prayers.”
Lammy offers condolences after plane crash in South Korea kills at least 177
Sunday 29 December 2024 16:37
Tom Watling
Flying remains extremely safe despite latest plane tragedies over Christmas
Sunday 29 December 2024 16:08
Tom Watling
Plane crash kills 179 in South Korea as Jeju Air flight hits wall
Sunday 29 December 2024 15:39
Tom Watling
Chinese president expresses condolence to South Korea
Sunday 29 December 2024 15:11
Tom Watling
Chinese president Xi Jinping has expressed his condolences to South Korea following the crash.
In a post on Telegram, Xi sent a message to acting South Korean President Choi Sang-mok expressing shock at the large number of victims, China’s state-run CCTV said.
“On behalf of the Chinese government and people, I express my deep condolences to the victims and my sincerest consolations to the victims’ families, and wish for the swift recovery of the injured,” he was quoted as saying.
We have some information on the Jeju Air passengers
Sunday 29 December 2024 14:47
Tom Watling
Of those on board, 82 were men and 93 were women, ranging in age from as young as three to 78 years old. Many were in their 40s, 50s and 60s.
Survivor able to communicate in hospital
Sunday 29 December 2024 14:21
Barney Davis
A 33-year-old flight attendant from the Jeju Air plane told doctors he had already been rescued when he woke up, according to news agency Yonhap.
He was first taken to a hospital in Mokpo, about 25km (15.5 miles) south of the airport, but was later transferred to Ewha Womans University Seoul Hospital in the capital.
“He’s fully able to communicate,” Mr Ju said. “There’s no indication yet of memory loss or such.”
The survivor, who suffered multiple fractures, is receiving special care due to the risk of after-effects, including total paralysis, the news agency added.
German chancellor Olaf Scholz issues message of support to South Korea
Sunday 29 December 2024 14:13
Tom Watling
We have received the terrible news of a plane crash in South Korea with many fatalities. Our condolences go out to the families of those killed in the crash and we wish those injured a speedy recovery.
— Bundeskanzler Olaf Scholz (@Bundeskanzler) December 29, 2024
Jeju Air CEO bows in apology after South Korea deadly plane crash
Sunday 29 December 2024 13:48
Tom Watling
In Pictures: Grieving families told all Jeju Air passengers have been killed
Sunday 29 December 2024 13:29
Tom Watling
Key timings of the crash
Sunday 29 December 2024 13:09
Tom Watling
Below, we have some key timings of the Jeju Air plane crash earlier today, according to South Korea’s transport ministry. They show local times to South Korea.
08:57 a.m. - Control tower issued a bird strike warning
08:59 a.m. - Mayday call
09:03 a.m. - Runway crash
11:30 a.m. - Flight data recorder recovered
2:24 p.m. - Cockpit voice recorder recovered
Family of Jeju Air victims express anger at authorities
Sunday 29 December 2024 13:00
Tom Watling
The families of those killed during the Jeju Air plane crash this morning have reportedly expressed anger at the way the authorities are handling the situation.
South Korean news agency Yonhap reports that at around 3.30pm local time, the government began announcing the names of the then 22 people confirmed dead. That figure is now at 88.
But some of the people there, gathered to find out information about their loved ones, protests that the names did not align with those disclosed earlier in the day.
“Is it too much to ask for a list of the dead to be put up clearly along with the current status of the accident?” said one family member.
Some people demanded they be allowed to visit the site of the crash so that they could identify their family members.
Sister of Jeju Air victim mourns her sibling
Sunday 29 December 2024 12:57
Tom Watling
A 33-year-old woman identified by her surname Kim has said her sister was on the ill-fated Jeju Air flight that crashed his morning.
“My sister was on that plane,” she told South Korean outlet Yonhap. “She’s had so many hardships and gone traveling because her situation was only just beginning to improve.”
‘I can’t believe the entire family has just disappeared’
Sunday 29 December 2024 12:47
Tom Watling
The family member of some of the victims of this morning’s Jeju Air plane crash has said his “heart aches so much” following reports that all passengers aboard the flight have been declared dead.
Maeng Gi-su, 78, told the BBC his nephew and his nephew’s two sons had been on the flight.
He said they had gone to celebrate the youngest taking his college entrance exams. Their father had taken them as a treat.
“I can’t believe the entire family has just disappeared. My heart aches so much”, he says.
Authorities have so far identified 88 people.
Sunday 29 December 2024 12:43
Tom Watling
At least 88 bodies have been identified so far as emergency personnel continued to search through the crash site, officials have said.
All but two of the 181 people aboard the Jeju Air flight have been declared dead, however.
Family of Jeju Air flight told there was no hope of survival
Sunday 29 December 2024 12:42
Tom Watling
The family of those killed during this morning’s Jeju Air plane crash have been told there was no hope of survival during a briefing.
South Korea’s Yonhap news agency reports that one of the people gathered at the airport to listen to an update from officials asked: “Is there no possibility of survival at all?”
“Regrettably, it appears so,” chief of Muan fire department Lee Jeong-hyeon answered.
Update: All passengers killed on Jeju Air flight, say authorities
Sunday 29 December 2024 12:29
Tom Watling
All 175 passengers aboard the Jeju Air flight that crashes this morning have been killed, local authorities have announced.
The total death toll is 179. Two of the six crew members were the only survivors. They had been sitting at the back of the plane.
Lammy issues statement over South Korea crash
Sunday 29 December 2024 12:19
Tom Watling
Deeply saddened by news of the plane crash overnight in South Korea.
— David Lammy (@DavidLammy) December 29, 2024
My heartfelt condolences go out to the people of South Korea and Thailand, and all those that have lost loved ones.
What do we know about the aircraft involved?
Sunday 29 December 2024 11:59
Simon Calder, Travel Correspondent
The Boeing 737-800 involved in the accident was originally ordered by Ryanair and delivered to the airline’s Dublin base on 4 September 2009. It flew for the Irish carrier for seven years. In November 2016 it was withdrawn from use. Ryanair maintains a younger fleet than many airlines.
The 737 was returned to the lessor SMBC Aviation Capital. In February 2017 it was leased to Jeju Air, and flew from Dublin via Baku to Seoul Gimpo airport.
Since then it has been used for high-frequency regional flights. In the week before the accident, the aircraft flew mainly to and from Muan and the holiday island of Jeju. Destinations included Bangkok, Nagasaki, Taipei, Kota Kinabalu and Beijing.
Two days before the crash, the Boeing 737 was on a routine flight from Jeju to Beijing when it diverted to South Korea’s main airport, Incheon. The flight later continued to the Chinese capital.
South Korea to observe a weeklong mourning period
Sunday 29 December 2024 11:48
Tom Watling
South Korea will observe a weeklong mourning period to commemorate those killed on the Jeju Air flight earlier today, the acting president Choi Sang-mok has announced.
Moment Jeju Air plane skids along South Korea runway before crash
Sunday 29 December 2024 11:29
Tom Watling
Rescuers assess Jeju Air crash site at South Korea’s Muan airport
Sunday 29 December 2024 11:00
Tom Watling
South Korea's suspended Yoon offers condolences after plane crash
Sunday 29 December 2024 10:25
Tom Watling
South Korea‘s suspended president, Yoon Suk Yeol, offered “deep condolences” to the families of those who died in the plane crash at Muan International Airport on Sunday.
Mr Yoon was suspended after declaring martial law in South Korea earlier this month.
Update: Death toll increases to 177
Sunday 29 December 2024 10:13
Tom Watling
The death toll has increased yet again, this time to 177.
As a reminder, there were 181 people on board, six of which were crew members.
Only two people are known to have survived. They were a male and a female, both part of the crew, who had been sitting at the back of the plane.
Everything we know so far about the South Korea plane crash
Sunday 29 December 2024 10:04
Tom Watling
Emergency workers assess Jeju Air crash site at South Korea’s Muan airport
Sunday 29 December 2024 09:41
Tom Watling
Update: Death toll rises again to 174
Sunday 29 December 2024 09:18
Tom Watling
The official death toll has risen again to 174, say the National Fire Agency.
There were 181 on board. Only two people are known to have survived.
South Korean emergency services say they are ‘doing their best’
Sunday 29 December 2024 09:15
Tom Watling
South Korea’s National Fire Agency has issued a statement saying they are doing their best to rescue and recover victims of today’s plane crash.
They said the crash triggered the issuing of response level 3, which means mobilisation is need to scale up the response.
Currently, more than 1,500 emergency workers have been sent to the site, while a special disaster zone is being enforced.
“We will do our best to secure people and recover from the accident until the end,” the fire agency wrote on X, formerly Twitter.
BREAKING: Death toll surges to 167
Sunday 29 December 2024 08:49
Arpan Rai
The death toll from the Jeju Air plane crash at South Korean airport this morning has risen to 167, fire officials say.
Death toll rises to 151 in South Korea crash
Sunday 29 December 2024 08:37
Arpan Rai
At least 151 people were killed this morning in South Korea after a passenger plane burst into flames.
The death toll includes 71 women, 71 men and nine others whose genders weren’t immediately identifiable — died in the fire, the fire agency said. The toll is expected to rise further as the rest of the people aboard the plane remain missing about six hours after the incident.
The Jeju Air plane skidded off a runway at Muan International airport and slammed into a concrete fence when its front landing gear apparently failed to deploy.
Family members wailed as officials announced the names of some victims at a lounge in the Muan airport.