Turbulence removes instant noodles from Korean Air’s menu

If you’re flying with Korean Air, you might notice a change on the menu starting August 15 – the airline is removing instant noodles from its economy class service.

The decision comes in response to increased turbulence, narrow aisles, and the close proximity of passengers, which the airline says heightens the risk of “burn incidents.”

While economy class passengers will no longer have access to this popular snack, business and first class travelers will still enjoy instant noodles, as they are served individually, reducing spill risks during turbulence.

Since 2019, Korean Air has reported a doubling in turbulence incidents. The airline noted that serving multiple cups of noodles at once in economy class raises the risk of burns, a concern mitigated in premium cabins where snacks are served one at a time.

In place of instant noodles, economy passengers will now receive sandwiches, corn dogs, pizza, and “Hot Pockets” – turnovers filled with cheese, meat, and vegetables.

The change has sparked a debate on social media. Some users are relieved, while others question the continued serving of other hot items like coffee and tea, which can also cause burns.

Korean Air stated it is committed to enhancing safety and customer satisfaction and will continue exploring ways to improve service.

Earlier this year, Singapore Airlines announced it would stop serving hot drinks and meals during turbulence as part of a more cautious approach. This decision followed a tragic incident in May, where severe turbulence on flight SQ 321 led to a 73-year-old British passenger’s death and numerous injuries.

Recent research suggests that climate change may increase the likelihood of severe turbulence, making such precautions even more critical.