Korean Air, a five-star airline, is ending cabin service 20-40 minutes earlier on medium and long-haul routes to conclude inflight services before the plane descends for landing, aiming to reduce the risk of turbulence-related incidents and injuries during descent.
The decision was prompted by an increase in turbulence incidents, including clear-air turbulence, which has been exacerbated by climate change and temperature variations, particularly during descent.
The number of turbulence incidents has doubled in Q1 2024 compared to Q1 2019.
Korean Air hopes its move will influence other carriers like Singapore Airlines and Qatar Airways to enhance safety measures, following incidents of severe turbulence leading to injuries and even the death of a passenger.
Passengers are urged to follow crew instructions, fasten seat belts promptly, and stow carry-on luggage properly when turbulence is expected to reduce injury risk.
Sources: Business Insider, Travel and Tour World, Paddle Your Own Kanoo, VnExpress, AeroTime
This article was written in collaboration with Generative AI news company Alchemiq.
