A South Korean Air Busan Airbus A321 aircraft caught fire late Tuesday night while preparing for departure at Gimhae International Airport in Busan, South Korea, prompting a swift emergency evacuation. Fire authorities confirmed that all 169 passengers and seven crew members managed to escape, though three sustained minor injuries.
The fire, which originated in the tail section of the aircraft, was reported just before 10:30 p.m. local time, according to South Korea’s Yonhap News Agency. Emergency responders quickly arrived at the scene, deploying fire suppression measures while passengers exited the plane via evacuation slides on both sides. Footage broadcast by local news channels showed emergency workers battling thick smoke and visible flames near the rear of the single-aisle jet.
The affected aircraft, identified as a 17-year-old Airbus A321ceo bearing tail number HL7763, was preparing for departure to Hong Kong when the fire erupted. Later images from Yonhap depicted extensive fire damage along the fuselage, including several burned-out holes on the aircraft’s roof.
Authorities are now investigating the cause of the fire, with Airbus confirming that it is aware of the incident and in communication with Air Busan. Asiana Airlines, the parent company of the budget carrier, has yet to issue a public statement regarding the fire. Korean Air, which recently acquired Asiana in December, has redirected inquiries to Air Busan.
The incident comes just a month after South Korea’s deadliest aviation disaster in years. In December, a Jeju Air flight from Bangkok to Muan Airport crashed upon an emergency belly landing, resulting in the deaths of 179 out of 181 people on board. The back-to-back aviation emergencies have raised concerns over safety regulations and aircraft maintenance protocols within the country’s airline industry.
Gimhae International Airport temporarily suspended operations on the affected runway to facilitate emergency response efforts but resumed normal flight schedules. Aviation authorities have launched a thorough inspection of Air Busan’s fleet to ensure safety compliance, with particular attention to the aging Airbus A321 model involved in the fire.
Passengers on board recounted harrowing moments as cabin crew directed them toward the exits amid smoke and confusion. “I heard a loud noise, and suddenly there was smoke everywhere. The crew was shouting for us to leave immediately,” one passenger told a local news outlet.
The aviation industry and South Korean authorities are expected to release further details in the coming days as investigations progress. Meanwhile, travelers have been urged to check with Air Busan regarding potential disruptions to upcoming flights following the incident.
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