1st August 2024 – (Seoul) Korean Air, one of South Korea’s leading airlines, has announced that it will no longer serve instant cup noodles, known as “ramyeon,” on its long-haul flights. This decision is part of the airline’s proactive safety measures in response to an increase in turbulence incidents.
The move comes after a concerning incident on a Singapore Airlines flight from London in May, which resulted in one death and dozens of injuries due to severe turbulence. Korean Air has stated that the decision to remove the popular in-flight snack is aimed at preventing potential burn accidents caused by the hot water required to prepare the noodles.
“This decision is part of proactive safety measures in response to increased turbulence, aimed at preventing burn accidents,” Korean Air said in a statement on Thursday.
The cup noodles have been a staple on Korean Air’s in-flight menu, often featuring prominently on social media. However, the airline has decided to prioritise passenger safety over the convenience of the popular snack.
In addition to the noodle ban, Korean Air has also announced that it will be finishing long- and medium-haul cabin services 20 minutes earlier, wrapping up services 40 minutes before landing. This change is intended to ensure that passengers are safely seated and secured during the critical final stages of the flight.
The airline’s decision aligns with a broader industry effort to address the issue of turbulence. Korean Air is one of 21 airlines that have joined a real-time data exchange platform launched by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) in 2020. This platform aims to provide airlines with better information about potential turbulence, allowing them to take proactive measures to mitigate the risks.
“Serving the hot noodle cups to tightly seated economy class passengers will stop from 15th August. Snacks will instead include sandwiches, corn dogs, and hot pockets,” the airline stated.
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