Deadliest Crash: Jeju Air CEO Kim E-bae Banned From Leaving South Korea

The CEO of South Korea’s Jeju Air, Kim E-bae, has been banned from leaving the country following a fatal plane crash that killed 179 people, South Korean police confirmed on Thursday.

The ban was imposed as part of an ongoing investigation into the country’s deadliest aviation incident.

The crash occurred last Sunday, December 28, 2024 when Jeju Air Flight 2216, a Boeing 737-800, crashed while attempting to land at Muan Airport, located in South Jeolla Province. The plane, which was en route from Thailand to South Korea, hit a barrier before bursting into flames.

“The investigation team imposed a travel ban on two individuals, including Jeju Air CEO Kim E-bae,” police in South Jeolla Province stated.

The disaster, which shocked the nation, marked South Korea’s deadliest aviation accident in years. It raised widespread concerns about air travel safety, prompting South Korea’s acting president, Choi Sang-mok, to order an emergency safety inspection of the country’s airline operations.

“We must ensure the safety of all air travel and address the concerns raised by this devastating incident,” President Choi said during a press briefing on Monday.

The crash also led to a surge in flight cancellations as passengers remained wary of flying, further intensifying scrutiny on Jeju Air and the state of the country’s aviation industry