Seoul, South Korea — Korean Air has announced that starting August 15, it will discontinue serving ramyeon instant noodles in economy class on long-haul flights. The decision comes amid increasing concerns over passenger safety and the rising frequency of turbulence.
The airline stated that the removal of ramyeon is a precautionary measure to prevent burn accidents caused by hot water. In a press release, Korean Air explained that the risk of burns is heightened as flight attendants move multiple cups of hot noodles in crowded economy cabins. The airline noted that turbulence-related incidents have more than doubled in 2024 compared to 2019.
Korean Air is implementing this change as part of its proactive approach to passenger safety. To compensate for the loss of ramyeon, the airline will offer a self-service snack bar on long-haul flights, featuring a range of options including sandwiches, corn dogs, pizza, and hot pockets. Passengers in prestige and first-class cabins will still have access to ramyeon.
The decision reflects a broader industry concern about the effects of turbulence, which experts attribute in part to climate change. Paul Williams, a professor of atmospheric science at the University of Reading, has predicted a significant increase in turbulence over the coming decades. According to Williams, what is currently a brief period of turbulence on a transatlantic flight could extend to 20 or even 30 minutes in the future.
In light of these concerns, pilots sometimes instruct flight attendants to halt the service of hot food and drinks during periods of severe turbulence. In May 2024, severe turbulence on a flight from London to Singapore resulted in one fatality and 71 injuries, highlighting the risks associated with inflight service during turbulent conditions.
Korean Air, ranked the 11th best airline in the world for 2024, continues to prioritize passenger safety while adapting its services to meet evolving challenges in aviation.