An Air Busan Airbus A321 bound for Hong Kong caught fire at Gimhae International Airport in Busan, South Korea, leading to the evacuation of all 176 people on board. Three individuals sustained minor injuries during the evacuation.
On January 28, 2025, as the aircraft was preparing for departure, a fire was detected in the tail section. Emergency services responded promptly, extinguishing the flames and ensuring the safety of passengers and crew. The exact cause of the fire remains under investigation.
This incident comes shortly after a tragic event on December 29, 2024, when a Jeju Air flight crashed at Muan International Airport, resulting in 179 fatalities. Investigations into that crash revealed bird remains in both engines, suggesting a bird strike as a potential cause.
Air Busan, a low-cost carrier affiliated with Asiana Airlines, has stated that they are cooperating fully with authorities to determine the cause of the fire. The airline emphasized its commitment to passenger safety and is conducting thorough inspections of its fleet to prevent future incidents.
Passengers affected by the incident have been provided with accommodations and alternative travel arrangements. The South Korean aviation authorities have initiated a comprehensive review of safety protocols to ensure such occurrences are prevented in the future.
