Wave of flight cancellations hits Korea as citizens grapple with trauma from plane crash

A wave of ticket cancellations are occurring as South Korean citizens are experiencing trauma over the tragic plane crash.

As condolences pour in for the victims of the Jeju Air crash at Muan International Airport, social anxiety is rising as year-end and New Year travelers cancel their flights en masse. Distrust in low-cost carriers (LCCs) is rapidly spreading, with experts predicting a significant impact on the aviation industry.

According to a report by Maeil Business Newspaper on December 29, citizens in Gwangju and South Jeolla near Muan Airport are grappling with trauma, feeling the accident could have easily involved them. 

Kim (30), an office worker who arrived at Muan Airport on a Lao Airlines flight just three hours before the crash, shared, "I can’t believe such a massive accident happened just hours after I landed."

Jo (33), who had planned to travel to Bangkok via Muan Airport in January, said, "As soon as I heard about the crash, I canceled my trip. I won’t be going near Muan Airport anytime soon."

Although the exact cause of the crash has yet to be determined, online forums are seeing a surge in posts from people expressing a newfound fear of flying. Son, a resident of Seoul, commented, "I used to travel overseas every holiday season, but now I’m planning to avoid international trips for the time being. Even for domestic travel, I’m considering trains instead of planes."

Concerns about using LCCs have also become widespread. Many users on online communities shared their experiences of canceling LCC tickets. One traveler wrote, "I had plans to fly to Bali with Jeju Air in January, but after hearing about the accident, I canceled immediately. It’s disappointing to cancel a much-anticipated vacation, but I’m too scared to fly LCCs now."

At the same time, netizens on online forums are also voicing their opinions that it is "not just low-cost carriers that could cause issues," expressing their fear and condolences toward victims and anxious fellow citizens and travelers for any concerns regarding flights in the present moment.

The growing sense of mourning has also led to the postponement of previously planned political protests. A coalition of over 1,500 civic and social organizations called the 'Emergency Action for the Immediate Resignation of Yoon Seok Yeol and Social Reform' is reportedly discussing delaying its large-scale impeachment rally, which was scheduled for December 31 in Seoul.

The confirmed death toll has tragically risen to 179. Our heartfelt condolences go out to everyone impacted by this devastating loss.