An Airbus plane belonging to South Korean carrier Air Busan caught fire on January 29, 2025, at Gimhae International Airport while preparing for departure to Hong Kong. Fire authorities reported that all 169 passengers and seven crew members were evacuated, with three individuals sustaining minor injuries.
- Airbus plane catches fire at Gimhae airport
- All passengers and crew evacuated safely
- Fire originated in the plane's tail
- Recent deadly air disaster in South Korea
- Air Busan part of Korean Air group
- 17-year-old Airbus A321 involved in incident
The fire reportedly started inside the plane’s tail, leading to the deployment of evacuation slides on both sides of the aircraft. Emergency workers responded to the scene to combat the smoke and flames.
The incident occurred shortly after the plane, a 17-year-old Airbus A321ceo with tail number HL7763, was preparing for takeoff. Eyewitness footage showed emergency slides deployed, with smoke and flames visible as emergency crews worked to extinguish the fire. South Korea’s Yonhap News agency reported that the fire originated in the tail of the aircraft.
In the aftermath, Air Busan and Asiana Airlines, which owns Air Busan, did not immediately respond to inquiries regarding the incident. Korean Air, which acquired Asiana in December, directed inquiries to Air Busan. Airbus, the manufacturer of the aircraft, stated it was aware of the situation and was in contact with Air Busan.
This incident follows a recent air disaster in South Korea, where a Jeju Air plane crashed on January 29, 2025, resulting in the deaths of all but two of the 181 people on board. The frequency of such incidents raises concerns about aviation safety in the region.
The fire at Gimhae International Airport highlights the importance of quick evacuation procedures in emergencies. Fortunately, all passengers and crew were safely evacuated, though the incident underscores ongoing concerns regarding aircraft safety and emergency readiness.
