Korean Police Raid Air Busan Office After Aircraft Fire Incident
Busan Metropolitan Police have conducted a search and seizure at Air Busan’s headquarters as part of an investigation into the January 28, 2025, aircraft fire involving an A321-200 preparing for departure to Hong Kong International.
The two-hour search on February 6, 2025, aimed to gather flight operations data and passenger records to establish responsibility for the incident. A police spokesperson stated, “We conducted the search separately from the joint investigation to determine accountability.”
In parallel, the Air Accident Investigation Committee (AAIC) is working to determine the cause of the fire, which occurred before takeoff and destroyed the aircraft, HL7763 (msn 3297). No fatalities were reported.
On the same day as the search, Air Busan introduced a ban on placing portable chargers in overhead lockers, requiring passengers to store them in underseat carry-ons. While most airlines prohibit portable chargers in checked luggage, Air Busan is the first Korean carrier to implement this overhead locker restriction. Other Korean airlines are expected to follow suit in the coming days.
The investigation comes amid heightened scrutiny of South Korean aviation safety standards, following the December 29, 2024, crash of a Jeju Air (7C) B737-800, which resulted in 179 fatalities.
The police and aviation authorities continue to assess safety measures and operational accountability in the wake of these recent incidents.
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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com