Korea Flight Chaos: 1,700 Passengers Rerouted Due to Strict Curfew Delays

Over 1,700 travelers flying from Jeju to Seoul and Busan were diverted to Incheon Airport after missing late-night operational deadlines, causing significant transport disruption.

On October 16, nearly half of Jeju Island’s 512 scheduled flights faced significant delays, leaving 1,700 passengers stranded at unintended airports. Ten flights bound for Seoul’s Gimpo and Busan’s Gimhae airports were forced to redirect to Incheon International Airport because they could not arrive before the 11 p.m. operational curfew. One Air Busan flight arrived at Incheon, over 400 kilometers away from its original Busan destination.

The massive delays were attributed to a surge in air traffic during the National Sports Festival held in Jeju. While the Transport Ministry admitted to inadequate preparation for the high volume, records also cited vague 'security reasons' for some delays without further explanation. This incident highlights the strict operational limits at regional Korean airports, which lack the 24-hour flexibility found at major international hubs like Incheon.

For international tourists, such diversions mean navigating complex transport routes late at night. Seoul-bound passengers had to secure expensive late-night taxis or wait until morning to retrieve cars parked at Gimpo. Travelers are reminded that while South Korea's infrastructure is world-class, regional curfews are strictly enforced, and major national events can impact domestic flight schedules unexpectedly, requiring flexible travel insurance and backup plans.

When flying domestically in Vietnam, such as between Hanoi and Da Nang, always monitor flight status via airline apps as weather or high-season festival traffic can cause sudden rescheduling.

Source reference: VnExpress International