Jeju Air to Reduce Flights by Up to 15% Starting Next Week... Focus on Popular Routes

Minimizing Customer Inconvenience... Reducing Substitute Routes First

Jeju Air has decided to reduce flights by 10-15% starting next week, focusing on routes with high flight frequencies. This move aims to inspect and reinforce safety in relation to the Muan Airport passenger plane disaster.

On the 2nd, Song Kyung-hoon, Head of Management Support at Jeju Air, held a press conference at the Mayfield Hotel in Seoul to announce this plan. Song stated, "Within the scope of minimizing passenger inconvenience, we have decided to reduce flights by 10-15% during the winter period until March. Domestic flights will be adjusted as early as next week, and international flights will be applied from the third week of January."

Initially, the reduction will focus on routes with high flight frequencies and those that can be substituted by other airlines. This is to minimize the impact on passengers who have already made reservations.

Regarding the provision of support funds and methods for the bereaved families, discussions are ongoing. Song explained, "We are discussing with the bereaved families about funeral arrangements, procedures, and subsequent support payments. We are also negotiating with insurance companies concerning compensation."

Despite the mass cancellations by Jeju Air following the disaster and concerns about financial soundness due to the need to secure support funds for the bereaved families, the company maintains that there are no issues at present. Song emphasized, "Although recent cancellations are clearly higher than before, there is also new demand, and it is not a significant level compared to the past. Aircraft investments have already been prepaid, so there will be no disruptions." He added that they can also handle additional hiring of maintenance personnel.

Regarding psychological support measures for the approximately 400 employees who have been assisting the bereaved families and on-site, Song said, "At Muan Airport, the Trauma Center and the Red Cross are conducting on-site psychological support activities. Afterwards, we are contacting medical institutions in the Gwangju and Jeonnam regions so that the bereaved families can receive psychological treatment close to their residences. First and foremost, the recovery and support of the bereaved families is our priority, and we will also support employees to achieve psychological stability through various programs."

Song Kyung-hoon, Head of Management Support Division at Jeju Air, held a press conference on the 2nd at the Mayfield Hotel in Gangseo-gu, Seoul, explaining the future flight reduction plans.