Korean Air halts instant noodles service in economy class

[Courtesy of Korean Air Lines Co.]

Korean Air Lines Co. will stop serving instant cup noodles to its economy-class passengers from August 2024 onwards due to the increased risk of turbulence, according to the South Korean flagship carrier.

It will serve “safer” alternatives, including frozen snacks, instead.

Korean Air announced on Thursday that it will discontinue its ramyeon service offered in economy class on long-haul routes from August 15th and introduce a new in-flight snack service with additional new menu items.

The menu will feature frozen meals that can be heated up, such as pizza and hot dogs, instead of hot ramyeon, the company said. Hot dogs or pizza will be available on flights departing from Korea, and hot pockets will be provided on flights with overseas departure points. The company will maintain the ramyeon service in business class, however.

Korean Air has offered small ramyeon cup noodles in economy class on long-haul routes and served ramyeon noodles in ceramic bowls in business and first class on medium and long-haul routes.

The company cited increased concerns about in-flight accidents caused by turbulence as the reason. Turbulence is an irregular airflow that causes winds to change in strength, direction, and speed.

The company’s decision to maintain the ramyeon service in business class, however, has raised some eyebrows, with claims that economy class passengers are being disregarded, despite the decision being made for passenger safety. Some internet users voiced complaints, asking, “Is there no turbulence on business class?”