[Asia Economy Reporter Jang Hyowon] On the last day of the Lunar New Year holiday, the 24th, strong winds caused a complete suspension of flights at Jeju International Airport, stranding about 43,000 passengers.
According to the Jeju Regional Aviation Administration, all 233 domestic departure flights (carrying approximately 43,000 passengers) scheduled to take off from Jeju Airport on that day were canceled. Additionally, all 233 arrival flights were also canceled, resulting in a total of 466 canceled flights.
Furthermore, 10 international flights originating from Jeju (5 departures and 5 arrivals) were also canceled.
Korean Air, Jeju Air, and other airlines made advance decisions on cancellations from the previous day and notified passengers of the cancellations via text messages.
News of the cancellations on the last day of the Lunar New Year holiday caused the Jeju Airport passenger terminal to become very crowded from early morning, as passengers rushed to book alternative flights.
The Jeju Regional Aviation Administration and Korea Airports Corporation Jeju Airport deployed additional guides to assist passengers at the airport with changing their boarding flights due to airline cancellations.
Also, according to the Jeju Airport stay support manual, a 'caution' level was issued. Under this caution level, the Jeju Regional Aviation Administration plans to provide flight operation information and prepare countermeasures such as plans to deploy temporary flights.
Jeju Province is discussing support measures for stranded passengers, including deploying public transportation, while Jeju Airport plans to assess the status of stranded passengers and provide supplies to them.
Jeju Airport stated that once flight operations resume normally, it plans to increase temporary flights and will actively respond to alleviate airport congestion and passenger inconvenience.
Jeju Airport also urged passengers to check their reservation status and flight operation updates with airlines in advance before heading to the airport.
Currently, a sudden wind warning and strong wind advisory are in effect at Jeju Airport.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
