A rare and intense snowstorm in South Korea has left travelers reeling as over 100 flights were cancelled, and hundreds more delayed. Incheon International Airport, typically a hub of seamless travel, turned into a scene of confusion as airlines such as Delta, Emirates, Etihad, Air France, Korean Air, and Japan Airlines scrambled to manage the fallout.
Unprecedented Snowfall Disrupts Travel Plans
This historic storm, the heaviest November snowfall in South Korea in more than five decades, blanketed Seoul and surrounding areas with up to 28 cm (11 inches) of snow. The impact on air travel was immediate:
- 110 flights were cancelled on Wednesday, stranding thousands of passengers.
- Nearly 600 flights were delayed, with disruption rippling into Thursday.
Airlines including Aeromexico, Asiana Airlines, KLM, and WestJet also felt the effects, as the snowstorm’s reach disrupted global connections.
Passengers Face Long Waits and Frustration
Safety concerns over snow-clogged runways and poor visibility forced airport authorities to halt operations. Airline staff worked tirelessly to rebook flights and address passenger concerns, but the sheer number of affected travelers overwhelmed services.
One Tokyo-bound passenger described the chaos:
“We’ve been waiting hours just for updates. It’s rare to see snow like this, but the delays are exhausting.”
Meanwhile, a family heading to Dubai on Emirates chose to focus on safety, saying, “We’d rather wait than take risks, though this has been incredibly stressful.”
Read also: Storm Bert Disrupts Heathrow Airport.
Widespread Disruptions Beyond Airports
The snowstorm’s impact wasn’t limited to air travel. Icy roads snarled traffic across Seoul, causing massive gridlocks. Subways were packed with commuters seeking alternatives to treacherous highways. Ferry services were also suspended nationwide, leaving thousands more stranded.
Local emergency services were inundated with calls, responding to car accidents, fallen trees, and even tragic incidents. Two lives were lost—a garage roof collapse in Yangju and a multi-car accident in Hongcheon.
Tourists Caught Off Guard by Winter’s Wrath
For many visitors, the snowstorm was an unexpected twist. Tourists braved the cold to capture photos of Seoul’s snow-dusted landmarks, but travel plans were left in shambles as they struggled to rearrange itineraries.
Airlines Race to Restore Order
With the storm forecast to persist through Thursday, airlines are urging passengers to stay informed. Korean Air, Delta, and Emirates have all advised checking flight statuses before heading to the airport.
Despite their efforts, the scale of the disruption has made recovery slow. Runways need clearing, schedules require restructuring, and stranded passengers must be accommodated—all while prioritizing safety.
If you’ve been affected by a delay, you may be entitled to flight delay compensation, depending on the circumstances. Under EU261 and similar regulations, airlines must compensate passengers for significant delays, provided the cause is within their control. Stay informed of your rights and ensure you receive the assistance and compensation you deserve.
A Rare Snowstorm Leaves Mixed Feelings
While the storm has caused widespread disruption, some have embraced the wintry spectacle. Families built snowmen in parks, and photographers captured stunning images of Seoul’s iconic palaces transformed into snow-covered wonders.
For now, the focus remains on overcoming the travel chaos. Airlines and local authorities are working hard to restore order, but the storm serves as a stark reminder of how quickly weather can derail plans.