Jeju Air

Jeju Air's safety record has faced significant scrutiny following a recent fatal incident.

On December 29, 2024, Jeju Air Flight 2216, a Boeing 737-800 traveling from Bangkok to Muan, experienced a runway excursion at Muan International Airport. This tragic event resulted in 179 fatalities out of 181 occupants and marked the first fatal accident in Jeju Air's history. The incident is currently under investigation, with initial findings suggesting a bird strike and subsequent issues with landing gear deployment. Prior to this, in March 2022, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport of Korea temporarily halted two of Jeju Air's flights due to failures in adhering to safety protocols. In 2021, Jeju Air was investigated and fined after one of its aircraft was operated with a damaged wing, a defect that the crew had reportedly failed to identify after a landing incident. Historical incidents include a runway overshoot in 2007, a burst tire during landing in 2018, an autopilot malfunction in 2019, and a loss of cabin pressure in 2015.

While specific details on IOSA, FAA compliance, or EU safety list status were not explicitly found, Jeju Air's CEO has stated the airline adheres to global maintenance standards. However, the recent crash has prompted intensified scrutiny from South Korean authorities. As of October 2025, Jeju Air's passenger fleet consists of 43 aircraft with an average age of 13.1 years, a reduction from 14 years at the end of the previous year. The airline aims to significantly decrease the average fleet age to five years or less by 2030 through its modernization program. Following the December 2024 crash, the airline's maintenance records and high aircraft utilization rates, which exceeded most other low-cost carriers globally, have come under close examination. From 2020 to 2022, Jeju Air incurred more fines and suspensions for regulatory violations than any other South Korean airline, and its practice of outsourcing maintenance overseas has also been questioned.

In terms of overall safety assessment, Jeju Air's record is under considerable review, particularly after the fatal crash in December 2024. Although it was recognized by AirlineRatings.com as one of the best low-cost airlines globally in 2024 and received an 'A' safety grade from the South Korean government a year before the fatal accident, the more recent May 2025 evaluation by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport resulted in an 'F' (very poor) safety rating. This, combined with the high aircraft utilization rates and a history of fines and suspensions for safety breaches, indicates significant concerns regarding its safety management and operational practices.