Korean Air ends ramyeon service in economy class, still available in premium classes

Korean Air no longer serves ramyeon to passengers in economy class seats amid rising concerns over safety due to increasing severe air turbulence.

Shin Ramyun cup noodles served to passengers in economy class on Korean Air flights. [NONGSHIM]

Korean Air no longer serves ramyeon to passengers in economy class amid rising concerns over safety due to increasing severe air turbulence.

However, customers in pricier business class and first class seats will still be served ramyeon.

Passengers in premium business class are offered cooked ramyeon in separate dishes. [SARAH CHEA]

Until now, the Korean flag carrier had been offering Shin Ramyun cup noodles to economy class passengers on flights lasting six hours or longer upon their request. Clients in upper business and first class are offered cooked ramyeon in separate wide dishes.

Ending ramyeon service is the latest "preventive measure to avoid the risk of burns that occurred due to serving ramyeon with hot water," Korean Air said, adding that "the incidence of air turbulence has doubled this year since 2019."

"Serving cup noodles frequently causes burns due to the cramped space and small size of tables in economy class," a spokesperson for Korean Air said. "It results in a higher risk of burns for flight attendants, passengers served with ramyeon and even those seated next to the people eating ramyeon."

Instead, passengers in the basic-fare seats will be offered other snack options like sandwiches, corn dogs and Hot Pockets pizzas.

Since early July, the carrier has implemented stricter protocols, ceasing all in-flight services 40 minutes before landing on medium and long-haul routes. These services include catering, personalized attention and the provision of amenities and apply to all cabin classes from economy to business and first.

Air turbulence is a growing concern for the industry due to recent cases of death and injuries. In May, one passenger died and 85 more were injured on a Singapore Airlines flight after encountering severe turbulence over Myanmar.

A few days later, 12 people were injured when a Qatar Airways flight from Doha to Dublin experienced turbulence.

Update, August 1 : Added details about recent turbulence events.

BY SARAH CHEA [chea.sarah@joongang.co.kr]