Korean Air to End Cabin Service Earlier on Medium and Long-Haul Flights to Mitigate Turbulence Risk

Korean Air has announced that it will be ending cabin service earlier on its medium and long-haul flights due to increased concerns about turbulence incidents. This move is similar to a protocol change made by Singapore Airlines after a fatal turbulence incident in May.

Korean Air’s cabin service protocol has been adjusted, with inflight services now concluding 40 minutes before landing as opposed to the previous 20 minutes before landing. The airline hopes that this change will help mitigate the risks associated with turbulence incidents.

The rise in turbulence incidents over the past five years has been attributed to the changing climate, which has led to larger temperature differences between altitudes and an increase in air friction. Clear air turbulence is particularly common around jet streams. Researchers have found that turbulence is becoming more frequent and severe, especially over the North Atlantic near the north polar jet stream. The warming climate has resulted in an increase in the most severe type of clear air turbulence by 55% between 1979 and 2020.

To address these challenges, airlines like Korean Air are taking proactive measures to ensure the safety and comfort of their passengers.