The disaster is a national tragedy for South Korea, which has been embroiled in a political crisis after President Yoon Suk Yeol and his temporary successor were both impeached by parliament.

Acting President Choi Sang-mok, who was only appointed on Friday, visited the site of the crash on Sunday.

“I express my deepest condolences to the many victims in the incident. I will do all I can for the injured to quickly recover,” he said.

The crash is the worst for any South Korean airline since the 1997 Korean Air crash in Guam, which killed more than 200 people. Prior to Sunday, the deadliest on South Korean soil was an Air China crash flight that killed 129.

The Muan airport accident also marks the first fatal crash for Jeju Air, one of South Korea’s largest low-cost airlines, which was set up in 2005.

Jeju Air bosses bowed deeply as they gave a public apology at a press conference on Sunday.

“We deeply apologise to all those affected by the incident. We will make every effort to resolve the situation,” the firm said in a statement.

Boeing, which manufactured the 737-800 jet, has said it was in touch with the airline.