Families of victims from the Jeju Air Flight 7C2216 crash have filed multiple lawsuits against Boeing in U.S. courts. They accuse the aircraft maker of negligence and design failures that allegedly led to one of South Korea’s deadliest aviation disasters.
Lawsuits Filed in the U.S.
The cases were filed in King County, Washington, and Illinois courts. They represent relatives of passengers who died when the Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 crashed while landing at Muan International Airport on December 29, 2024. The crash killed 179 people and left only two survivors, both critically injured.
Claims of Design and System Failure
According to the lawsuits, Boeing used outdated electrical and hydraulic systems that failed to activate backup power after an engine malfunction. This failure reportedly disabled vital safety systems, including landing gear, brakes, and reverse thrusters, leaving pilots powerless during the emergency landing.
Lack of Updates and Pilot Training
The families also allege that Boeing did not upgrade its older 737 models or train pilots adequately for dual-engine failure situations. They claim the company ignored long-standing warnings about design flaws and prioritised cost savings over safety improvements.
Lawyers Challenge Boeing’s Accountability
Lawyers representing the victims’ families said the crash was not simply a case of pilot error but the result of decades of ignored design risks. They argue that key engineering and certification decisions were made in Washington State, making the U.S. a justified venue for the case.
Boeing’s Expected Legal Response
Boeing has not issued a detailed statement yet. Reports suggest the company plans to request that the lawsuits be transferred to South Korea, where compensation laws are less favourable to victims’ families and financial payouts are typically smaller.
Families Seek Justice and Accountability
For the families, this case is about more than money. It is an effort to uncover the truth and hold Boeing accountable for what they believe was a preventable tragedy. They say their fight is for justice — and for ensuring that such a disaster never happens again.
