Quantcast

Korean Air updates cabin service procedures amid rising turbulence incidents

Wizz Air becomes first airline to operate P&W-powered Airbus A321XLR jet
Hawaiian Airlines’ new ‘no show’ policy may make travel more expensive
BLIMP-SE OF THE FUTURE Luxury zeppelins of the future from ‘flying bum’ world’s largest aircraft to Google billionaire’s ‘impossible’ airship
Swiss Startup SmartFlyer Develops Hybrid-Electric Trainer
San Francisco-based entrepreneur takes a trip on India's worst-rated airline, his reaction will surprise you
First-Time Flyer at 81: A Grandmother's Memorable Journey
Global Airlines Launches Inaugural Flight, Aiming to Revive 'Golden Age of Travel'
Winning routes: American Airlines adds more than 22,000 seats for football fans following release of 2025–2026 pro schedule
Boeing scores Middle East plane deal during Trump visit
Air travel will be ‘worse’ this summer, lawmakers warn — as FAA gives infuriating update on system fixes, staffing issues
United Airlines CEO Reassures Passengers About Newark Airport Safety
American Testing Tech to Help Passengers Make Connecting Flights
British Airways to use AI in efforts to improve operations
American Airlines Tests New Tech to Help Passengers With Tight Connections During Summer Rush
Flight Diverted After Pregnant Woman on Board Goes into Labor and Delivers Her Baby: Report
United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby says "this is the most optimistic I've been in my entire career about finally getting the FAA fixed"
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy Unveils Plan to Build Brand New, State-of-the-Art Air Traffic Control System
Passenger rushing for next flight can't believe what woman next to her does
Why fuel price crash won’t make flying cheaper
Kristi Noem says travelers without Real ID will still be able to fly after deadline
Frontier Airlines Announces New Routes Launching This Summer, Connecting Baltimore With Chicago O’Hare and Trenton, N.J. With Myrtle Beach, S.C.
Airlines in North America prioritize investments in cyber, AI
The evolution of the airline uniform — a cross check
Global Airlines & HiFly Operate 1st Passenger Airbus A380 Flight Between Barcelona And Berlin
American Airlines unveils ritzy new plane suites launching this summer
Airline Stocks To Keep An Eye On - April 28th
Gatwick Airport Faces Potential Strikes
50 New Routes Starting In May 2025
Report: JetBlue, United Mulling Partnership
New First-Class Suites, Futuristic Aircraft and the Top Air Travel News From April 2025
Korean Air updates cabin service procedures amid rising turbulence incidents
Policy
Webp my4djcnixmixw1ksf655oqjccs0m
Tom Boon Content Manager | Simple Flying

Korean Air has introduced new in-flight service procedures to address turbulence-related risks. Going forward, Korean Air's flight attendants will end service on medium and long-haul flights 20 minutes earlier than previously.

Korean Air and several other airlines, including Singapore Airlines, have experienced high-profile turbulence events, which have resulted in onboard injuries. Korean Air has introduced new cabin service procedures to address severe turbulence risks. The changes follow several airlines, including Korean Air, experiencing severe turbulence events that have resulted in injuries to people onboard the aircraft.

In a statement, Korean Air detailed that it would end cabin service on all medium- and long-haul itineraries 40 minutes before landing, 20 minutes earlier than previously. The airline noted that the change would allow flight attendants to wrap up their service before an aircraft begins its descent at its destination airport.

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

“Turbulence has become a persistent and growing problem in recent years with the number of incidents doubling in Q1 2024 compared to Q1 2019. Turbulence is becoming more frequent, especially as the aircraft descends, due to large temperature differences between altitudes.”

In addition, Korean Air reiterated that as an aircraft passes an area of possible turbulence, the pilots turn on the ‘fasten seat belt’ sign inside the cabin, prompting passengers to sit down at their seats and strap themselves in. The airline reminded passengers that they must follow the flight crew’s instructions and secure themselves in their seats.

According to the carrier, encounters with sudden or clear-air turbulence (CAT) have been common. As a result, wearing a seatbelt at all times is the best way to ensure a safe journey onboard an aircraft. Furthermore, passengers should store their carry-on baggage in the overhead bin or under the seat to prevent injuries from falling items.

Over the past few months, there have been several high-profile turbulence-related incidents, which have resulted in injuries and even a fatality onboard a commercial flight. For example, an Air Europa flight UX45 traveling between Madrid Barajas Airport (MAD) and Montevideo Carrasco International Airport (MVD) was forced to divert to Brazil after encountering severe turbulence.

The flight departed on June 30 and landed at Natal International Airport (NAT), Brazil, on July 1. The airline confirmed on X (formerly known as Twitter) that passengers suffered injuries onboard the Boeing 787-9 registered as EC-MTI operating the flight. The aircraft has remained at NAT since the incident.

Meanwhile, a Korean Air Boeing 737 MAX 8 registered as HL8352 was also involved in a turbulence-related event on June 22. The aircraft was operating Korean Air flight KE189 from Seoul Incheon International Airport to Taichung Airport (RMQ) but was forced to turn back to ICN after departure.

In a statement, Korean Air confirmed that some passengers were treated for injuries once the aircraft landed at ICN. The same Boeing 737 MAX 8 returned to commercial service on June 28 after operating a test flight from and to ICN on the same day.

Another high-profile incident involved Singapore Airlines flight SQ321 experiencing severe turbulence resulting in more than a dozen people being injured onboard its Boeing 777-300ER. Unfortunately, this incident on May 21 also led to one fatality involving a United Kingdom national who passed away onboard.

Korean Air has joined several other airlines changing their safety protocols related to turbulence globally. Shortly after its turbulence event, Singapore Airlines announced it would not serve hot drinks and meals when the seatbelt sign was on as part of efforts to be more cautious when managing in-flight turbulence.

Regulators and industry stakeholders such as the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) have warned that climate change can negatively impact safety by increasing CAT frequency and severity in regions with significant international traffic like North Atlantic.

Organizations Included in this History
More News

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) anticipates that Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production will reach 2 million tonnes, equivalent to 0.7% of total airline fuel consumption by 2025.

Jun 1, 2025

Emirates Airline has entered into a partnership with Al Ain Football Club, which will see the airline become the Official Airline Partner for the club during the 2025/26 season.

Jun 1, 2025

IATA has called on governments to eliminate barriers preventing airlines from repatriating revenues from ticket sales and other activities.

Jun 1, 2025

IndiGo, Delta Air Lines, Air France-KLM, and Virgin Atlantic have announced a strategic partnership aimed at connecting India with Europe and North America.

Jun 1, 2025

As the aviation industry recovers in 2025, airlines face critical decisions when expanding their fleets.

Jun 1, 2025

In the United States, five airlines are currently operating Boeing 737 MAX aircraft: Alaska Airlines, Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines.

Jun 1, 2025