Korean Air announced on July 1 it will end in-flight services 40 minutes before landing, 20 minutes earlier than previously, to ensure the safety of passengers and crew and prevent injuries. This precautionary measure comes in response to the recent increase in global turbulence-related aircraft incidents.
According to Korean Air, this policy will apply to all medium- and long-haul routes. Consequently, on these routes, all services provided to passengers, including meals, alcoholic beverages, and drinks, will conclude 40 minutes before landing. Previously, cabin services continued until preparations for landing commenced. With the earlier cessation of in-flight services, Korean Air plans to advance the timing of cabin safety checks by the crew.
The number of turbulence-related aircraft incidents has been rising due to factors such as climate change and seasonal variations. In May, a Singapore Airlines flight operating from London to Singapore encountered turbulence and had to make an emergency landing at Bangkok International Airport, resulting in one fatality and more than 100 injuries. The same month, a Qatar Airways flight from Doha to Dublin encountered turbulence, injuring 12 passengers. Last month, an Air New Zealand flight from Wellington to Queenstown experienced turbulence, causing injuries to two passengers.
According to South Korea’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, the number of turbulence encounters by Korean-flagged airlines worldwide in the first quarter of this year totaled 6,246, a 79.8% increase from the 3,473 incidents during the same period last year.
Korean Air also urged passengers to adhere to safety protocols in the event of unexpected turbulence during flights. The airline stated, “When passing through areas with anticipated turbulence, passengers should follow the crew’s instructions and fasten their seat belts in response to the signal.”
