A South Korean investigation into the Jeju Air crash that killed 179 people is expected to miss its one-year deadline for releasing a progress report, according to two officials, as relatives of the victims continue to demand answers about the cause of the disaster. The country’s Aviation and Railway Accident Investigation Board (ARAIB) will not be able to issue the interim report by Monday, December 29—the first anniversary of the deadliest aviation accident on South Korean soil, the officials said. They spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the matter.

On December 29, 2024, a Boeing 737-800 operated by Jeju Air made an emergency belly landing at Muan Airport. The aircraft overshot the runway, collided with a concrete embankment, and erupted into flames, killing 179 of the 181 people on board. The incident marked the worst plane crash in South Korea in recent history.

In a preliminary report issued in January, the government-led ARAIB revealed that both engines of the plane had suffered bird strikes. Investigators said in a July update—kept from public release after objections from victims’ families—that the pilots had shut down the less-damaged engine following the bird strike, a decision that likely contributed to the crash.

The families of the victims have expressed growing frustration with the pace and transparency of the investigation, questioning whether the ongoing probe can provide reliable answers about the circumstances leading to the crash. Authorities have faced increasing pressure to provide clarity and accountability as the anniversary approaches.

Despite repeated delays, the investigation remains ongoing, with officials citing the complexity of the case and sensitivity of the findings as reasons for the postponed interim report. With the one-year milestone passing without new updates, relatives continue to demand a detailed explanation of what caused the tragedy and how such accidents can be prevented in the future.