The Federal Government on Sunday expressed sympathy with the government and people of South Korea following the tragic crash of Jeju Air Flight 2216.

The crash occurred on Sunday, December 29, 2024, when the Boeing 737-800, returning from Bangkok, Thailand, attempted to land at Muan International Airport in southern South Korea.

The plane skidded off the runway and collided with a wall, resulting in a fiery explosion. Out of the 181 passengers and crew on board, 179 lost their lives, leaving only two survivors.

This handout photo taken and released on December 29, 2024 by the South Korean National Fire Agency shows the scene where a Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 series aircraft crashed and burst into flames at Muan International Airport in South Jeolla Province, some 288 kilometres southwest of Seoul on December 29, 2024. 

In a statement issued by the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja, Kimiebi Ebienfa, the Federal Government conveyed its condolences to the bereaved families and expressed solidarity with South Korea during this difficult time.

The Nigerian government described the crash as a tragic loss and reaffirmed Nigeria’s support for the South Korean people.

“The Federal Republic of Nigeria wishes to express her sincere condolences to the Government and People of the Republic of Korea for the unfortunate crash of Jeju Air Flight 2216 that occurred on Sunday, December 29th, 2024.

“The Federal Government of Nigeria sympathises with the Government of South Korea and the families of the victims of the deadly plane crash,” the statement read.