SEOUL: Thousands of South Koreans have canceled their flight reservations in the wake of a catastrophic airliner crash that resulted in 179 fatalities. The crash, involving Jeju Air Co.'s flight 7C2216, occurred at Muan International Airport, and the incident has sparked widespread concern among travelers.

According to Anadolu Agency, Jeju Air Co. reported that approximately 68,000 flight reservations were canceled following the accident. Of these cancellations, over 33,000 were for domestic routes, and more than 34,000 pertained to international flights. The cancellations followed the tragic crash of flight 7C2216, which was carrying 181 individuals when it crashed upon landing.

Authorities are actively investigating the crash, with a particular focus on the possibility of a bird strike as a contributing factor. However, experts are also scrutinizing the presence of a concrete structure at the airport, questioning whether its existence might have exacerbated the casualties.

On Sunday, the airliner skidded without landing gear and collided with a concrete wall, resulting in a fiery explosion. The structure, which houses a navigation system known as a localizer, is situated approximately 250 meters from the runway's end, according to the agency. The investigation continues as officials seek to determine the exact sequence of events that led to the tragedy.