In a dramatic incident at Gimhae International Airport in Busan, South Korea, an Airbus A321 operated by Air Busan caught fire on January 28, 2025, just before its scheduled departure to Hong Kong. The aircraft, with the tail number HL7763, experienced the fire in its tail section around 10:30 PM local time, leading to an immediate evacuation of all 176 people on board, including 169 passengers, six flight attendants, and one engineer. The fire was first noticed by ground crew and quickly escalated, with flames and smoke seen emanating from the rear of the plane. Emergency services were alerted promptly, and firefighters arrived on the scene within minutes, tackling the blaze with urgency. The aircraft's evacuation slides were deployed, allowing for a swift and orderly evacuation. Despite the chaos, the response was well-coordinated, resulting in only minor injuries to three individuals during the evacuation process. These injuries were reported as non-life-threatening, with one person needing hospital treatment for minor wounds.
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The cause of the fire has not been definitively determined, but initial reports suggest it began inside the aircraft, specifically in the tail area. This incident follows a tragic precedent set just a month prior when a Jeju Air plane crashed at Muan International Airport, claiming nearly all lives on board. This recent event at Gimhae, therefore, reignites concerns about aviation safety in South Korea, particularly regarding aircraft maintenance and emergency procedures. Air Busan, a budget airline and a subsidiary of Asiana Airlines, which was recently acquired by Korean Air, operates a fleet entirely composed of Airbus aircraft. The A321 involved in the incident is a 17-year-old model, according to Aviation Safety Network records. The aircraft's age and its history of maintenance will likely be key points of investigation. Airbus, the manufacturer, acknowledged the incident, stating they are in communication with Air Busan to gather more information and assist in the investigation. Air Busan and Asiana Airlines have yet to provide a comprehensive statement, but Korean Air has directed all inquiries to Air Busan, indicating that the primary focus will be on understanding the technical aspects of the fire's origin.
The South Korean Transport Ministry and the National Fire Agency have launched an immediate investigation into the incident. This includes examining the aircraft's maintenance logs, interviewing the crew and ground staff, and analyzing any available data from the plane's black boxes. The focus will be on ensuring such an event does not recur, with particular attention on fire prevention strategies in aircraft design and maintenance protocols. This event also brings to light the challenges faced by the aviation industry in maintaining safety standards amidst aging fleets and the pressures of cost management, especially for budget carriers. The incident at Gimhae has led to a temporary halt in operations of similar aircraft models at the airport, as a precautionary measure while investigations continue.
Passengers of the affected flight were provided with accommodations and alternative travel arrangements, showcasing the airline's effort to mitigate the inconvenience caused by the incident. However, the emotional and psychological impact on those involved cannot be understated, with many passengers and crew likely to be shaken by the experience. This incident at Busan's Gimhae Airport serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictability of air travel and the paramount importance of safety measures, emergency preparedness, and swift response in preventing tragedies. As the investigation unfolds, the aviation community and travelers alike will await answers, hoping for insights that will lead to enhanced safety protocols across the industry.