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So long, flavour: Korean Air drops instant noodles from economy menu due to turbulence

Goodbye ramen, hello sandwiches. Instant cup noodles have long been a popular staple on Korean Air. But the tasty treats will no longer be served on long-haul flights from 15 August due to growing concerns over turbulence and the risk that a snack that relies on boiling water poses to passengers.

Goodbye ramen, hello sandwiches. Instant cup noodles have long been a popular staple on Korean Air. But the tasty treats will no longer be served on long-haul flights from 15 August due to growing concerns over turbulence and the risk that a snack that relies on boiling water poses to passengers.

Concerns about severe turbulence have risen since an incident on a Singapore Airlines plane in May, a flight in which an elderly British man died and dozens more were injured. After the incident, Singapore Airlines said it would stop serving hot drinks and meals during turbulence, opting for a “more cautious approach”, the BBC reported.

According to Reuters, instead of the popular cup ramen, Korean Air passengers will be offered snacks like sandwiches, corn dogs and hot pockets.

Korean Air BNE
Korean Air in Brisbane.

“This decision is part of proactive safety measures in response to increased turbulence, aimed at preventing burn accidents,” Korean Air said in a statement.

The decision to remove ramen from Korean’s offering has sparked mixed reactions online. 

Some passengers are relieved, while some note that other hot items still pose burn risks.

Korean Air crew.
Korean Air crew.

“Aren’t coffee and tea hot?” one person wrote on social media. Good point.

Another said they had always been “nervous” about being scalded by the hot water, while one commenter simply said they wanted the noodles to be removed “because of the smell”.

In July, Korean Air announced it would wrap up cabin services 40 minutes before landing on medium and long-haul flights, 20 minutes earlier than before, to enhance safety amid rising turbulence incidents. 

Korean Air
A KAL plane.

Turbulence incidents doubled in Q1 2024 compared to Q1 2019, often occurring during descent, the airline stated.

Last week, Korean Air launched its first B787-10 Dreamliner flight from Seoul Incheon to Tokyo Narita. It also recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Boeing to upgrade and expand its widebody fleet, with an order of up to 50 twin-aisle aircraft.