SEOUL  –  If you’re taking a flight on Korean Air, you might soon notice something missing from your menu – a cup of instant noodles.

From 15 August onwards, the carrier will stop serving the noodles to economy class passengers. It said the increased risk of turbulence, narrow aisles and passengers sitting closely together could mean “burn incidents occur frequently”.  Business and first class fliers, however, will continue to enjoy the treat.

The snack has long been a passenger favourite and something the carrier is widely known for. Many praise the fact that it is available for free on request. In a statement, the carrier said that since 2019 the number of times turbulence had occurred on its flights had doubled. It added that in economy class, several cups of noodles are all served at once, saying that the “risk of burns is greater with passengers crowded together”.

But in business and first class the snacks are brought individually to these passengers, reducing the likelihood of spillage in the event of turbulence, the carrier said.  Up until now, the Korean carrier had been providing the noodles for free to passengers on longer routes. But this will now be replaced with sandwiches, corn dogs, pizza and “Hot Pockets” – crusty turnovers filled with cheese, meat and vegetables. The move sparked discussion on social media. Some users expressed relief, while others pointed out that the carrier was still serving other items that could cause burns.

“Aren’t coffee and tea hot?” said one comment. However, another called it a “very good decision”, saying they had always been “nervous” that they would be scalded.  One user said they had hoped the instant noodles would be removed “because of the smell”.  Korean Air said it will “continue to seek service methods that are safe while increasing customer convenience and satisfaction”.

Earlier this year, Singapore Airlines said it would stop serving hot drinks and meals during turbulence as part of a “more cautious approach”. A 73-year-old British passenger died and dozens more were injured when flight SQ 321 encountered turbulence over Myanmar and was diverted to Thailand in May. Turbulence is one of the most unpredictable of all weather phenomena, with severe turbulence becoming more likely with climate change, recent research shows. (BBC)

Photo: Shin Ramyun instant noodles. (Nongshim)…[+]