Jeju Air facing a record number of 68,000 cancellations after the deadliest aviation disaster in South Korea's history: What new safety concerns you need to know?

The Boeing 737-800, en route from Thailand to Muan International Airport in South Korea, suffered a bird strike, issued a mayday call, and belly-landed before colliding with a barrier, igniting a fire. Among the 181 people on board, only two flight attendants survived.

Between midnight on Sunday and 1:00 p.m. Monday, approximately 68,000 bookings were canceled, with 33,000 domestic and 34,000 international flights affected, according to Jeju Air. While new bookings continue to be made, the cancellation rate is significantly higher than usual. Many passengers expressed safety concerns, with travel agencies reporting a surge in inquiries about aircraft models and a doubling of tour package cancellations.

South Korea's acting President Choi Sang-mok has ordered an emergency safety inspection of the nation's entire airline operation system once recovery efforts for the crash are completed.

Aviation authorities are also conducting a special review of all 101 Boeing 737-800 aircraft operating in the country, with U.S. investigators and Boeing representatives expected to assist.

The crash has shaken the travel industry, with cancellations doubling and bookings halving for some operators. Travel agency stocks weakened, with Hanatour Service falling as much as 7% and Very Good Tour dropping up to 11%. Promotional campaigns and advertisements were suspended as agencies scrambled to address customer concerns.

Founded in 2005, Jeju Air is South Korea's third-largest airline by passenger numbers. The Sunday crash marks its first fatal accident, putting its safety record and reputation under intense scrutiny. As the investigation continues and inspections are conducted, the airline faces the daunting task of restoring public trust while navigating the economic and operational challenges ahead.