On January 28, 2025, a frightening incident occurred at Gimhae International Airport in Busan, South Korea, when Air Busan Flight 391, an Airbus A321, caught fire shortly before takeoff. The blaze began in the rear section of the aircraft while it was preparing to depart for Seoul, quickly filling the cabin with smoke and causing panic among passengers.
The flight was carrying 169 passengers and 7 crew members. Around 10:15 a.m., smoke was noticed coming from the back of the plane. The pilots immediately stopped the takeoff and ordered an emergency evacuation. Cabin crew quickly opened exits and deployed slides, allowing everyone on board to escape safely.
All 176 people evacuated the aircraft, though 27 suffered minor injuries such as smoke inhalation and bruises during the rushed evacuation. Emergency crews arrived within minutes to fight the fire, but the aircraft was eventually destroyed.
Authorities in South Korea, along with Airbus and the airline, launched an investigation. Early reports suggest the fire may have started near the plane’s auxiliary power unit (APU) at the rear, though the exact cause remains unknown.
Operations at Gimhae Airport were briefly suspended, causing delays before normal flights resumed. Passengers later described thick smoke, visible flames, and fear inside the cabin, while praising the crew for their calm and quick response.
Although rare, incidents like this highlight the importance of strict aviation safety procedures. Thanks to the rapid actions of the crew and emergency responders, all lives were saved in what could have been a major tragedy.