On January 28, 2025, panic erupted at Gimhae International Airport in Busan, South Korea, when Air Busan Flight 391, an Airbus A321, burst into flames just moments before takeoff. The fire broke out in the rear section of the aircraft while it was preparing for departure, filling the cabin with smoke and sparking a frantic evacuation.
The Flight and Emergency Evacuation
Flight 391 was scheduled for a domestic journey from Busan to Seoul, carrying 169 passengers and 7 crew members. At around 10:15 a.m. local time, smoke was detected near the back of the plane. Within minutes, flames intensified, forcing the pilots to abort takeoff and order an immediate evacuation on the runway.
Cabin crew members reacted swiftly—deploying emergency slides and guiding passengers to safety. In the chaos, many left personal belongings behind as they scrambled to escape. Despite the fast-spreading fire, all 176 people on board evacuated successfully.
Injuries and Rapid Response
Authorities confirmed that 27 people sustained minor injuries, mainly from smoke inhalation and scrapes during the evacuation. Emergency teams arrived within minutes, battling the flames and transporting the injured to local hospitals. None of the injuries were life-threatening, though the aircraft itself was completely destroyed by the fire.
Investigation Into the Cause
The exact cause of the fire remains under investigation. South Korean aviation officials, along with Airbus representatives and the airline, are conducting a joint inquiry. Early indications suggest the blaze may have originated near the auxiliary power unit (APU) located at the rear of the aircraft. A full report is pending.
Disruptions at the Airport
The incident forced temporary suspension of operations at Gimhae International Airport, leading to multiple flight delays and cancellations. Normal service resumed later in the day, but the event has raised fresh concerns about airline safety and underscored the importance of regular emergency preparedness.
Passenger Accounts
Survivors described terrifying scenes inside the smoke-filled cabin. Some recalled the choking fumes and the fear of being trapped, while many praised the calm professionalism of the crew.
One passenger told local reporters:
“We saw flames outside the window and smoke filling the cabin. People were screaming, but the crew kept shouting for us to move. If they had waited even a few seconds longer, I don’t think we would have made it out.”
A Rare But Serious Incident
Although aviation accidents are rare, the destruction of Flight 391 highlights the ever-present risks in air travel. Safety experts note that the successful evacuation of every passenger demonstrates the value of rigorous training and established emergency procedures.
Conclusion
The fire that consumed Air Busan Flight 391 stands as one of South Korea’s most serious aviation incidents in recent years. Yet, amid the devastation, it is also a story of survival: thanks to the quick thinking of the crew and the rapid response of emergency services, all 176 lives were saved.
Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only. While based on real events, the accompanying image is AI-generated and does not depict the actual incident.
