Korean Air to stop serving instant noodles to economy class due to increase in passengers suffering burns

Korean Air to stop serving instant noodles

This service will be discontinued due to the increase in turbulence on long-haul flights.

The South Korean airline Korean Air announced on Thursday that it will stop serving instant noodles in the economy class of its long-haul flights, following the increase in accidents due to burns to passengers caused by a greater number of turbulences. The airline explained that this type of incident has doubled this year compared to 2019.

Long-haul routes with America, Europe, Oceania and the Middle East will discontinue this service from August 15, according to the airline itself in a statement published on Thursday, where it specifies that this product will continue to be offered to first and business class customers.

However, according to The Korea Times, economy class will not have the option to choose this product, as flight attendants often have to bring several cups of noodles with hot water at a time to passengers sitting close together, which increases the risk of accidents.

Free noodles to be replaced

instant noodles free of charge

 

Instant noodles are served individually to these types of passengers, which reduces the likelihood of spilling the boiling water used in their preparation in case of turbulence, according to the airline itself.

Korean Air provided these instant noodles free of charge to passengers on its longer routes, a popular meal that became the airline's signature as it was widely known for being served at any time upon request.

The snack will be replaced by sandwiches, corn dogs, pizza and 'Hot Pockets', crispy dumplings filled with cheese, meat and vegetables that the company offers on its flights.

The announcement has caused quite a stir on social media, with users discussing the new products on offer and expressing relief at not having to face a potential burn from turbulence and instant noodles.

According to the South Korean Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, the total number of turbulence incidents experienced by domestic aircraft worldwide in the first quarter of 2024 was 6,246, an increase of 79.8% compared to the same period last year (3,473 cases).

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