SEOUL, South Korea – A Jeju Air flight bound for Jeju Island was forced to turn back on Tuesday morning due to a landing gear malfunction, marking the second incident involving the airline’s B737-800 aircraft in as many days.

Flight 7C101 departed from Gimpo International Airport at 6:37 AM and encountered the issue shortly after takeoff. The aircraft turned around over Pyeongtaek and returned to Gimpo at 7:25 AM. Upon landing, the landing gear functioned normally.

The airline attributed the diversion to safety protocols and replaced the aircraft, with the flight eventually departing again at 8:47 AM.

The incident comes a day after a fatal crash involving a Jeju Air B737-800 at Muan International Airport. Investigators suspect that a malfunctioning landing gear system was a primary factor in that tragedy.

Jeju Air operates a fleet of 41 aircraft, with 39 of them being the B737-800 model. The airline has expressed regret for the inconvenience caused to passengers but emphasized that safety is its top priority.

"The diversion was a necessary safety precaution," said a Jeju Air spokesperson. "We apologize for any inconvenience caused to our passengers."

[ⓒ Global Economic Times. 무단전재-재배포 금지]