### South Korea Increases Safety Measures for Budget Airlines After Crash

In the wake of a catastrophic accident involving Jeju Air, which resulted in 179 fatalities, South Korean authorities are urging budget airlines to prioritize safety over profitability. At a meeting with the country’s nine low-cost carriers, the transportation ministry outlined key measures, including reduced flight hours, improved pilot training, and an increase in maintenance personnel.

Jeju Air announced a significant cut in its average daily flight time from 14 to 12.8 hours and plans to hire an additional 41 maintenance staff, raising the total to 350. This tragic incident—South Korea's worst aviation disaster—has sparked widespread public concern, contributing to cancellations in travel bookings.

While current investigations have found no immediate evidence of pilot error or maintenance failures as contributing factors to the crash, authorities are scrutinizing every aspect of the flight. The ministry has asserted that airlines neglecting safety will face dire consequences including suspension of flight certificates, emphasizing that any carrier disregarding safety measures risks losing passenger trust and operational viability.

In summary, South Korea's decision to enforce stricter safety protocols for budget airlines following the Jeju Air crash marks a significant shift towards prioritizing passenger safety in the aviation sector. This response aims to reassure travelers as the aviation industry grapples with the aftermath of a devastating event.