AirAsia flight diverts to Gimpo instead of Incheon, passengers left confused
AirAsia Head of Communications Steve Dailisan said the aircraft was diverted due to weather, not a navigational error. However, passengers said the cabin crew initially announced they had arrived at Incheon, prompting travelers to stand and collect their luggage before realizing they were at a different airport. One passenger told The Korea Herald that even crew members appeared unaware of the diversion until informed by travelers.
The Korea Airports Corporation said the diversion was caused by turbulence over Incheon. The plane refueled at Gimpo before departing at 10:17 p.m. and arriving at Incheon at 10:59 p.m. Passengers complained about a lack of clear communication, noting that no water was offered and limited food remained on board during the two-hour delay.
The captain and crew later apologized over the PA system, but some passengers criticized the airline's handling of the situation, saying the confusion and lack of assistance added to their frustration. A few said they would have preferred to disembark at Gimpo rather than continue to Incheon.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Filipino Times
7 hours ago
- Filipino Times
AirAsia flight diverts to Gimpo instead of Incheon, passengers left confused
An AirAsia flight from Kuala Lumpur to Incheon Airport landed at Gimpo International Airport on Wednesday evening, leaving passengers startled and confused. Flight D7 506, scheduled to arrive at Incheon at 7:50 p.m., instead touched down at Gimpo at 8:08 p.m. after circling in the air, according to South Korean media reports. AirAsia Head of Communications Steve Dailisan said the aircraft was diverted due to weather, not a navigational error. However, passengers said the cabin crew initially announced they had arrived at Incheon, prompting travelers to stand and collect their luggage before realizing they were at a different airport. One passenger told The Korea Herald that even crew members appeared unaware of the diversion until informed by travelers. The Korea Airports Corporation said the diversion was caused by turbulence over Incheon. The plane refueled at Gimpo before departing at 10:17 p.m. and arriving at Incheon at 10:59 p.m. Passengers complained about a lack of clear communication, noting that no water was offered and limited food remained on board during the two-hour delay. The captain and crew later apologized over the PA system, but some passengers criticized the airline's handling of the situation, saying the confusion and lack of assistance added to their frustration. A few said they would have preferred to disembark at Gimpo rather than continue to Incheon.
Tourism Breaking News
20 hours ago
- Tourism Breaking News
AirAsia X opens gateway to transcontinental Istanbul, seamless affordable travel for Singaporeans via Kuala Lumpur
Post Views: 36 AirAsia X (AAX) announced a long-awaited route to Istanbul, Türkiye, a city where East meets West. Travellers from Singapore can now access the heart of Türkiye with smooth connectivity via Kuala Lumpur. The new service between Kuala Lumpur and Istanbul will commence on 14 November 2025 with four weekly flights, strengthening AAX's global footprint and offering more affordable travel options to one of the world's most iconic destinations. This strategic launch marks AAX's long-anticipated entry into Europe, opening a vital gateway linking Southeast Asia to Europe via one of the world's most historically rich and geographically unique destinations. Straddling two continents across the Bosphorus Strait, Istanbul offers travellers the rare opportunity to experience the best of both worlds. The airline will operate from Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW), a major hub with connections to over 117 international and 40 domestic destinations. This provides guests from Southeast Asia even greater onward travel options, while giving travellers from Istanbul and beyond seamless access to AirAsia's network of 130 destinations at unbeatable value. Benyamin Ismail, CEO of AirAsia X said: 'Istanbul has always been a dream destination for many of our guests, and its launch marks another proud moment in our journey to rebuild stronger than ever. Hot on the heels of our recent expansion into Central Asia, this long-awaited route takes us one step closer to delivering longer connectivity across continents. As the only city in the world built on two continents, Istanbul perfectly captures our vision to bridge Asia and beyond through affordable, medium-haul travel. This is a strategic decision that strengthens our network, creates more pathways for business collaboration, and enhances access to new experiences for travellers around the world. With the introduction of the Kuala Lumpur-Istanbul route, Singaporean travellers can now enjoy seamless Fly-Thru connection to one of the world's most iconic transcontinental cities through a more affordable travel option.' 'This new route also opens the door to an affordable Umrah Plus Istanbul package offered by the Islamic lifestyle arm of Capital A, giving our Muslim guests the opportunity to combine their spiritual journey with a visit to one of the world's most iconic cities. With our seamless Fly-Thru services via Kuala Lumpur, travellers from Singapore can now enjoy convenient one-stop access to Istanbul without the hassle of baggage recheck. Likewise, it allows guests from Türkiye to easily discover the rich diversity of Southeast Asia, including Singapore, through our vast network.' In celebration of this milestone, AAX is offering introductory promotional fares from SGD299* all-in one way. Flights are available for booking starting today until 20 August 2025 for the travel period between 14 November 2025 and 24 October 2026, on and the AirAsia MOVE app. As Türkiye's largest city and economic powerhouse, Istanbul is a captivating destination that offers opportunities to travellers from all walks of life. From iconic landmarks like the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace, to the lively Grand Bazaar and Spice Market, the city is a treasure trove of history and vibrant local life. AirAsia Malaysia (flight code AK) operates 11 daily flights weekly between Singapore and Kuala Lumpur. Flight Schedule between Singapore (SIN) and Kuala Lumpur (KUL): Flight Schedule between Kuala Lumpur [KUL] and Istanbul (Sabiha) [SAW]: *All-in fares are quoted for one-way travel only, including passenger service charge, regulatory service charges, fuel surcharges, and other applicable fees. T&C apply.
Khaleej Times
07-07-2025
- Khaleej Times
Bali flights cancelled after huge Indonesia volcano eruption
Dozens of flights to and from Indonesia's Bali island were cancelled Monday after a volcano belched a colossal ash tower 18 kilometres (11 miles) into the sky, authorities said. The aviation disruption came just weeks after the same rumbling volcano caused dozens of flight cancellations to and from the popular resort island. Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki, on the tourist island of Flores, erupted at 11:05 am (0305 GMT), the volcanology agency said. "An eruption of Lewotobi Laki-Laki Volcano occurred... with the observed ash column height reaching approximately 18,000 m above the summit," the agency said in a statement. It forced the cancellation of 24 flights at Bali's international airport, general manager Ahmad Syaugi Shahab said. "Several airlines serving the routes to Labuan Bajo (on Flores), Australia, Singapore, and South Korea have confirmed cancellations and delays," he said in a statement. He said the airlines included Virgin Australia, Jetstar Airways and AirAsia Indonesia. Despite some carriers cancelling flights, the airport manager said "the spread of volcanic ash has not affected the Bali airspace". Australia's Jetstar said several flights were cancelled "due to volcanic ash caused by an eruption of Mount Lewotobi". - 'Explosive eruptions' - The volcanology agency warned of the possibility of hazardous lahar floods –- a type of mud or debris flow of volcanic materials –- if heavy rain occurs, particularly for communities near rivers. There were no immediate reports of damages or casualties. The activity level at the volcano was "very high, marked by explosive eruptions and continuous tremors", geology agency head Muhammad Wafid said in a statement. He also urged residents to stay at least six kilometres (3.7 miles) away from the volcano and to wear face masks to protect themselves from ash. Last month dozens of flights to and from Bali were cancelled after the volcano erupted. Ash rained down on several communities around the volcano and forced the evacuation of at least one village. Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki erupted multiple times in November, killing nine people and forcing thousands to evacuate, as well as the cancellation of scores of international flights to Bali. Laki-Laki, which means man in Indonesian, stands at 1,584 metres (5,197 feet) and is twinned with the calmer but taller 1,703-metre volcano named Perempuan, after the Indonesian word for woman. Indonesia, a vast archipelago nation, experiences frequent seismic and volcanic activity due to its position on the Pacific "Ring of Fire".
