South Korea extends inspection deadline after deadly Jeju Air crash

Authorities mandated inspections for all Boeing 737-800 aircraft in South Korea following the tragedy. Initially set for January 3rd, this deadline has been extended to January 10th for thorough checks on maintenance records, engines, and landing gears. While not grounding the fleet yet, officials stated they would take necessary actions if violations are found.

Inspections have also begun at airport facilities nationwide to identify potential safety issues or hazards. It was noted that Muan Airport’s localizer is housed within a two-meter-high concrete structure against international regulations requiring such structures to be destructible or "frangible." Similar structures exist at other airports like Yeosu Airport, Gwangju Airport, and Pohang Gyeongju Airport.

Efforts are underway to lift sections of the wreckage from Sunday's crash site as investigators continue their work. Acting President Choi Sang-mok urged investigators to quickly gather evidence about the crash causes.

The plane’s black boxes have been recovered; however, while data extraction from the cockpit voice recorder (CVR) was successful despite damage sustained by the flight data recorder (FDR), it has been sent to the United States for analysis by experts there. Additionally, South Korean accident investigation team members joined forces with U.S.-based National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) personnel during this process alongside analyzing over 100 mobile phones belonging to those involved seeking clues through text messages or voice recordings that may help piece together pre-crash events.