AirAsia under fire after flight heading to Incheon airport lands in Gimpo
The Korea Herald reported that Flight D7 506 was scheduled to arrive at Incheon at 7.50pm, but touched down at Gimpo at 8.08pm after circling in the air.
Passengers said the captain initially announced their arrival in Incheon, prompting some to retrieve their bags, only to realise from the view outside and their phone GPS that they were at Gimpo.
"Everyone panicked. It seemed the cabin crew didn't know we landed at Gimpo until passengers told them.
"One crew member even said she needed to call her parents, who were waiting for her at Incheon International Airport," a passenger was quoted as saying.
The Korea Airports Corporation said the diversion was due to turbulence over the Incheon airport.
The aircraft refuelled at Gimpo before departing again at 10.17pm, arriving in Incheon at 10.59pm.
A passenger said the crew failed to manage the situation effectively during the nearly two-hour delay.
"They appeared just as confused as the passengers. No water was offered and there was almost no food left on board.
"Some passengers with children were upset and others even wanted to disembark at Gimpo."
Another passenger, identified only as Ryu, 39, said there was no clear explanation from the airline.
"During the two hours before we departed for Incheon again, there was no clear explanation of what caused the landing error or any effort to reassure passengers."
The captain and crew apologised over the public address system before the final leg to Incheon.
AirAsia has yet to issue an official statement on the incident.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Star
14 hours ago
- The Star
Angkor Wat in the wet season is not just cooler, it is less crowded too
The trip to Cambodia's Angkor Wat was unplanned. A Singaporean friend working in the aviation industry had just returned from Siem Reap and said that it was possible again to take a direct flight on AirAsia to the Cambodian city from Kuala Lumpur. The route had been put on hold during the pandemic, and was reinstated in July 2024, though perhaps not many were aware of it. The friend said that Siem Reap's gleaming international airport was near empty and that I should take advantage of the quiet season and visit the place. However, he did not tell me that it was the rainy season, and I too didn't do my research before booking the trip. I blamed myself for the oversight. After all, the heat and humidity in KL in June was unbearable so why would it be any different in neighbouring Cambodia? When my family and I arrived in Siem Reap, we were greeted by heavy rain. But that didn't kill my enthusiasm ... until I asked my tour driver if we should wake up early to catch the sunrise at Angkor Wat. 'Sir, tomorrow it's raining, no point waking up early. Tomorrow's sunset ... I don't know, it's still raining, maybe,' he said casually. By then, everyone was in complete silence and a little disappointed as we continued our journey to the hotel. The author taking the chance to pose next to a pool of water showing a reflection of the temple. After a good breakfast the next day, we were feeling more upbeat, so we decided to still make our way to the majestic Hindu-Buddhist temple complex, regardless of the weather. Armed with our umbrellas, we chose to get splashed by the puddles or even get stuck in the mud if such a thing would happen, than be confined to our cold hotel rooms. And it was a good thing we did, too as the rain wasn't so bad in the end. The rainy season here – usually from May to October – carries a reputation that makes many travellers delay their Cambodian adventures. But it also means wonderful hikes in the lush green forests, going through uncrowded temples, and enjoying monsoon-soaked sunsets that made my heart pause. Though visiting Siem Reap during this season was unplanned, I can confidently say that it turned out well for us. Let's start with the biggest misconception of travelling during the rainy season: that it rains all day, every day. It doesn't. During my stay, at least, most mornings were dry and breezy – ideal for cycling around the temple complex or exploring local markets. The rain came in the late afternoons or early evenings in dramatic, cinematic bursts. Think tropical downpours that cool the air, rinse the dust off ancient stones, and that last just long enough to finish one drink, before the skies clear again. The stones at Nokor Thum or Angkor Thom covered in moss. It may not be a good comparison but to me it was much like the rain in London, where it comes and goes fast. Visiting the Angkor Wat temple complex in the wet season gives you the feeling of seeing them as they once were – alive with water, wrapped in foliage, and free from camera-toting crowds. My guide, an avid photographer, kept pointing to the pools of water to remind me to take pictures of the reflections of one of the world's most famous religious structure for my Instagram. In the absence of the crowd, Angkor Wat was blissfully quiet in the morning, and we covered many parts of the complex without having to compete with other tourists. The air was cooler and we saw many ponds filled with blooming lotuses, while water buffalo waded through flooded rice fields. Ta Prohm, the famous Tomb Raider temple, looked especially otherworldly with its moss- covered walls glistening after the rain. Tree roots shimmered, stones dripped, and the echo of distant thunder made the jungle setting feel more primal than polished. And let's be honest – travelling during the off-season was cheaper and better as hotels offered lower rates and you could simply walk into any restaurant without a reservation. So, I'm glad we embraced spontaneity and booked the trip. In return, we got a Siem Reap that's softer, slower and soulful, with a more mystical Angkor Wat to boot. You can catch creatues like this lizard at the complex during the wet season.
Free Malaysia Today
a day ago
- Free Malaysia Today
AirAsia flight ends up at different South Korean airport
While 'turbulence' had apparently forced the plane to divert to Gimpo, the manner in which the situation was handled had left passengers fuming. (Air Asia pic) PETALING JAYA : Low-cost carrier AirAsia has been criticised after a flight from Kuala Lumpur to South Korea landed at the wrong airport. AirAsia Flight D7 506 landed at Gimpo International Airport instead of Incheon Airport as scheduled, the Korea Herald reported. While 'turbulence' had apparently forced the plane to divert to Gimpo, the manner in which the situation was handled had left passengers fuming. According to passengers, the captain had announced that they had arrived at Incheon Airport, only for them to realise they were in fact at Gimpo when they looked out of the windows and checked their phones. A passenger, identified as Lee Mi-hyun, said the cabin crew were unaware that they had landed at Gimpo 'until passengers told them'. 'One crew member even said she needed to call her parents, who were waiting for her at Incheon International Airport,' Lee was quoted as saying, adding that 'everyone panicked'. She also claimed that the crew failed to adequately manage the situation during the two hours they had to wait before departing for Incheon. She said stranded passengers were not offered water, leaving those with children upset. 'Some even said they would rather get off at Gimpo before the plane departed for Incheon.' Lee said the captain and crew apologised over the public announcement system as the plane headed to Incheon. Other passengers hit out at the airline for failing to provide a clear explanation. A passenger, identified as Ryu, said during the two hours before departing for Incheon, no clear explanation was given over the landing error nor was there 'any effort to reassure passengers'. AirAsia X, in a statement, clarified that the flight was diverted to Gimpo for refuelling following air traffic congestion at Incheon due to adverse weather conditions. AirAsia said the captain followed standard operating procedures, including keeping passengers informed of the diversion in English initially. However, there was a miscommunication in the cabin crew announcement upon landing, which the captain promptly clarified, it added. AirAsia X CEO Benyamin Ismail said: 'We will also review our internal announcements and onboard information-sharing processes to ensure greater clarity in such situations.' Benyamin said travel vouchers would be offered to affected passengers as a goodwill gesture.
Hype Malaysia
2 days ago
- Hype Malaysia
AirAsia X Apologises After Flight Lands At Gimpo Airport Instead Of Incheon Airport
Flight delays and emergency landings due to weather turbulence are nothing out of the ordinary. However, in most cases, passengers are informed of such situations before or while they are taking place. Imagine the confusion and disappointment of passengers who found themselves landing 35km away from their intended destination. Earlier this week, it was reported that AirAsia X flight D7 506 from Kuala Lumpur to Seoul's Incheon International Airport was diverted to Gimpo International Airport due to adverse weather and air traffic congestion. As a result, the onward flight to Incheon was delayed by two hours. The captain announced that they had landed safely at Incheon, but passengers soon realised something was wrong after checking their phones, which indicated they were actually at Gimpo instead. The cabin crew were reportedly unaware of the situation until passengers informed them that they were at the wrong airport. A video circulating online shows an announcement stating that the landing at Gimpo was an emergency measure, as the aircraft was running low on fuel. AirAsia later issued an official statement apologising and clarifying the situation. As previously mentioned, the flight was diverted to Gimpo International Airport due to adverse weather and air traffic congestion. The aircraft also needed to refuel before continuing to its intended destination. As compensation, AirAsia will be offering travel vouchers to affected guests. 'We thank our guests for their understanding and cooperation during this operational adjustment, which was necessary to ensure the safety of everyone on board,' the statement read. Following the news, many took to Twitter to share their reactions. Some criticised AirAsia for the miscommunication and delay, while others remarked that they would have been content landing at Gimpo International Airport, as it is closer to the city centre than Incheon International Airport. A few joked that passengers should have been grateful the plane did not land in North Korea. Whatever the case, it is a relief to know that everyone was safe and eventually arrived at the correct destination. Let us hope that, should such a situation arise again, both cabin crew and passengers will be kept well informed. Sources: MalayMail, TheStar
