170 passengers stranded as Korean Air flight delayed three hours in Jeju

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170 passengers stranded as Korean Air flight delayed three hours in Jeju

Published: 27 Aug. 2024, 12:41 Updated: 27 Aug. 2024, 15:21

Some of the affected passengers sleep on the floor at Jeju International Airport on Monday. [NEWS1]

Korean Air passengers faced delays in Jeju on Monday after a defect was discovered on one of its aircraft, affecting other flight schedules as well.

Flight KE1336, scheduled to depart Jeju International Airport for Gimpo at 8:55 p.m. on Monday, was delayed due to an unexpected defect with the aircraft. This delay stranded 170 passengers for approximately three and a half hours.

While on the runway preparing for takeoff, a defect in the aircraft's engine was discovered, leading to an aborted takeoff. The plane was then towed back to the gate.

To mitigate further delays, Korean Air promptly replaced the aircraft and rerouted passengers to Incheon International Airport, which is approximately 40 minutes by car from Gimpo, due to an impending curfew on air routes to the original destination.

Korean Air then provided passengers with delay instructions and transportation upon arrival at Incheon.

“We apologize for any inconvenience caused,” said a Korean Air spokesperson. “All our procedures were implemented with passenger safety in mind. We will determine appropriate compensation for the affected passengers.”

BY YOON SEUNG-JIN [yoon.seungjin@joongang.co.kr]