South Korean Jin Air’s 50-Day Grounding Ends at Muan Airport

A Boeing 737-800 operated by South Korean low-cost carrier Jin Air has finally departed Muan International Airport (MWX) after a 50-day grounding that left it stranded amid the aftermath of a tragic crash. The aircraft, registered as HL8012, was originally delayed due to the fatal accident of a Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 on December 29, 2024, which resulted in 179 fatalities out of 181 onboard. Following the crash, Muan Airport’s runway was immediately closed to facilitate an unhindered investigation, leaving the Jin Air flight stuck at the airport.

Jin Air flight JNA748 arrived from Taipei at 08:54 on December 29, 2024, and was the only other commercial aircraft on the ground when the Jeju Air flight made its emergency landing at 09:03 the same day. The ensuing runway closure meant that HL8012 remained parked at the terminal for nearly two months, as Korean aviation authorities delayed reopening the runway for departures.

Despite repeated requests from Jin Air to relocate HL8012 back to Seoul, the Korean Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MOLIT) denied clearance without offering a clear explanation. While other aircraft—such as a Korean Coast Guard transport plane and a university training aircraft—were granted departure clearance on January 12 and January 21, 2025, respectively, the Jin Air aircraft remained grounded. Media speculation suggested that MOLIT might have been investigating whether Jin Air’s landing schedule had any bearing on the Jeju Air crash, though MOLIT never confirmed or denied these claims.

During a parliamentary hearing on February 6, 2025, a MOLIT spokesperson stated, “If the Jin Air aircraft is not required for the investigation and poses no safety threat, there is no reason to prevent its departure.” This statement fueled Jin Air’s decision to take legal action. On February 7, 2025, Jin Air initiated legal proceedings in the Seoul Central District Court against MOLIT, seeking to reverse the decision that prevented the aircraft’s departure. The airline is claiming damages for tens of billions of Korean won in financial losses, which include lease payments of $210,000 per month to Air Lease Corporation, lost peak-season revenue, maintenance expenses, and parking fees.

The legal pressure appears to have paid off. Aviation industry sources reported that MOLIT granted a temporary reopening of the runway at Muan Airport on February 13, 2025, allowing Jin Air to retrieve its stranded aircraft. The airline was allocated a departure slot at 12:30 on February 16, 2025, giving them approximately 48 hours to prepare for the move. At 12:17 on the scheduled departure time, HL8012 finally left Muan Airport on a 45-minute ferry flight back to Seoul-Gimpo International Airport (GMP).

After arriving in Seoul, the aircraft underwent a series of maintenance checks to ensure its continued safety and airworthiness before re-entering commercial service. On February 18, 2025, HL8012 operated Jin Air flight JNA671 from Seoul to Yeosu Airport (YSU) in South Jeolla Province, marking its return to regular service. The aircraft has since completed five more sectors, indicating its reintegration into Jin Air’s operational fleet.

It remains uncertain whether Jin Air will discontinue its legal proceedings against MOLIT or continue seeking compensation for the significant financial losses incurred during the prolonged grounding. As the case unfolds, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the complexities in aviation operations following major accidents and the ripple effects on other carriers caught in the aftermath.

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