If you fly Korean Air, you may soon find that one item is missing from the menu – instant cup noodles.
From August 15, the airline will stop serving noodles to economy class passengers. The airline said the risk of turbulence, narrow aisles and passengers sitting close together could lead to “frequent fires”.
However, business and first class passengers will continue to enjoy this benefit.
This snack has long been a passenger favorite and something the airline is known for. Many praise it for being available free of charge upon request.
In a statement, the airline said that since 2019, the number of turbulence incidents on its flights has doubled.
The airline also added that in economy class, multiple cup noodles are served at once, so there is “a higher risk of burns when passengers are crowded together”.
However, the airline said that in business and first class, snacks will be served individually to each passenger, reducing the possibility of spillage in the event of turbulence.
Until now, Korean airlines still provide free noodles to passengers on long-haul flights.
But now, those will be replaced by sandwiches, corn dogs, pizza and “Hot Pockets” – crispy pies filled with cheese, meat and vegetables.
The move sparked discussion on social media, with some users expressing relief, while others pointed out that the carrier was still serving other items that could cause burns.
“Isn’t the coffee and tea hot?” one commenter said.
However, another called it a “very good decision” and said they were always “worried” they would get burned.
One user said they hoped the instant noodles would be removed “because of the smell”.
Korean Air said it will “continue to seek safe service methods while increasing customer convenience and satisfaction.”
Earlier this year, Singapore Airlines said it would stop serving hot drinks and meals during turbulence as part of a “more cautious approach”.
A 73-year-old British passenger died and dozens of others were injured. when flight SQ 321 encountered turbulence while flying over Myanmar and had to divert to Thailand in May.
Turbulence is one of the most unpredictable weather phenomena, with severe turbulence becoming increasingly likely due to climate change, Recent studies show that.
