Rescue personnel work near the tail section of a Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 series aircraft after the plane crashed and burst into flames at Muan International Airport. Photo: AFP
South Korean carrier Jeju Air has prematurely ended its charter flights from Busan to the Northern Marianas capital, Saipan.
The airline was due to end its service to Saipan on 25, February.
But the date was brought forward following the horrific Jeju Air plane crash in December at Muan International Airport that killed 179 people.
It is one of the deadliest aviation disasters to hit South Korea since 1997, when a Korean Airlines Boeing 747 crashed in the Guam jungle, with the loss of 228 lives.
"We are aware that its undergoing strict scrutiny of all Jeju Air aircraft, and its awaiting government guidance after the investigation over the Muan incident is complete," according to Marianas Visitors Authority (MVA) executive director Christopher Concepcion, says.
He said Jeju Air has informed us that they will maintain twice daily flights from Seoul to Saipan.
Concepcion added that once the investigation has been completed and findings are issued, the MVA will have a better picture of what to expect when the summer flight schedule kicks in in late March.
"We know Jeju Air decided to cancel one of their Guam flights too. In the meantime, T'way Air, South Korean low-cost airline, maintains daily service from Seoul and Jeju Air maintains twice daily service from Seoul."
The cancellation of the Saipan charter is part of the 188 international flights Jeju Air has cancelled that departed from Busan in the first quarter this year.
Jeju Air said all affected flights and schedule changes would be eligible for a full refund, promising to minimize any inconvenience caused to customers.
Governor Arnold Palacios said he understands Jeju Air's decision to end the charter flights now.
"That was one thing that we were hoping was not going to come. But obviously, you know, as they readjust and address some of the safety issues, I'm just hoping that that's the only one," Palacios said.
