Passenger plane catches fire in South Korea prompting mass evacuation, three injured

Air Busan Fire Incident: A Close Call at Gimhae International Airport

On a seemingly routine evening at Gimhae International Airport in Busan, South Korea, an Airbus A321 aircraft operated by Air Busan became the center of a dramatic and alarming incident. The flight, bound for Hong Kong, was moments away from departure when a fire broke out, turning the aircraft into a scene of chaos and urgency. Thanks to swift action by the crew and emergency responders, all 176 individuals on board were safely evacuated, though the incident has raised critical questions about aviation safety and emergency preparedness.

The Incident Unfolds

The fire erupted just before 10:30 p.m. local time on January 28, 2025, originating in the tail section of the aircraft. According to reports from South Korea’s Yonhap news agency, the blaze quickly spread, engulfing parts of the fuselage. Passengers and crew members were jolted into action as emergency slides were deployed on both sides of the plane. Local broadcaster YTN captured footage of the evacuation, showing passengers sliding to safety while firefighters battled the flames.

Subsequent images revealed extensive damage to the aircraft, with charred sections along the roof of the fuselage. The affected plane, a 17-year-old Airbus A321ceo with tail number HL7763, was part of Air Busan’s fleet—a budget airline under the umbrella of Asiana Airlines, which itself was recently acquired by Korean Air.

A Narrow Escape

The evacuation was a testament to the effectiveness of emergency protocols. All 169 passengers and seven crew members were safely evacuated, though three individuals sustained minor injuries. The quick response of the crew and emergency services undoubtedly prevented a far more tragic outcome.

Fire officials and aviation experts have praised the coordinated efforts that ensured the safety of everyone on board. However, the incident has also highlighted the challenges of managing emergencies in high-stress situations, particularly in confined spaces like an aircraft cabin.

Investigating the Cause

As the flames were extinguished and the immediate danger subsided, attention turned to the cause of the fire. Airbus, the manufacturer of the A321 aircraft, acknowledged the incident and confirmed that they were in communication with Air Busan. Preliminary investigations have yet to determine the exact cause, but the incident has reignited concerns about aviation safety, particularly in older aircraft.

The Aviation Safety Network, a database maintained by the Flight Safety Foundation, has noted that the affected aircraft had been in service since 2008. While age alone is not necessarily a risk factor, it does raise questions about maintenance practices and the potential for wear and tear to contribute to such incidents.

The Human Element

For the passengers on board, the experience was undoubtedly harrowing. Many were traveling for the Lunar New Year holidays, a time typically associated with joy and reunion. Instead, they found themselves sliding down emergency chutes and watching as their aircraft was consumed by flames.

The incident also underscores the importance of passenger awareness and preparedness. While airline crews are trained extensively for such scenarios, passengers play a crucial role in ensuring their own safety. Following crew instructions, remaining calm, and being familiar with emergency procedures can make a significant difference in such situations.

Broader Implications

The Air Busan fire incident is a stark reminder of the complexities and risks inherent in air travel. While aviation remains one of the safest modes of transportation, incidents like this highlight the need for continuous vigilance and improvement in safety standards.

For Air Busan, Asiana Airlines, and Korean Air, the incident represents a critical moment to review and enhance their safety protocols. It also serves as a wake-up call for the broader aviation industry to address potential vulnerabilities, particularly in older aircraft.

Moving Forward

As investigations continue, the focus will be on identifying the root cause of the fire and implementing measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. Whether it was a mechanical failure, an electrical issue, or another factor entirely, the lessons learned from this incident will undoubtedly contribute to the ongoing effort to make air travel even safer.

For now, the passengers and crew of Air Busan Flight BX391 can take solace in the fact that they escaped a potentially catastrophic situation. Their experience serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of preparedness, quick thinking, and the human spirit in the face of adversity.