Even School Excursion Groups Are Grounded... Jeju Airport Faces Multiple Cancellations Due to Strong Winds

Mass Flight Cancellations Due to Strong Winds and Rain
Flooding and Wind Damage Continue Across the City

Heavy rain and strong winds have battered Jeju, causing consecutive flight cancellations on the 4th. It is reported that about 10,000 students on school trips have been stranded in Jeju ahead of Children's Day.

According to Korea Airports Corporation Jeju Airport, as of 4:30 PM on the day, a total of 243 flights have been canceled or preemptively canceled, including 237 domestic flights (119 departures, 118 arrivals) and 6 international flights (4 departures, 2 arrivals) to and from Jeju Airport.

The total number of flights originally scheduled for the day was 491 (249 departures, 242 arrivals). However, the heavy rain and wind caused a large-scale cancellation.

It is reported that the main cause of the flight cancellations was the wind rather than the rain. Currently, Jeju Airport is under a "wind shear warning" and a strong wind warning, among others.

Flight to Jeju Island Canceled Due to Severe Weather
Photo by Yonhap News

The wind shear warning is issued when the wind direction or intensity suddenly changes within 1,600 feet (500 meters) above the runway surface. If wind shear occurs during an aircraft's takeoff or landing, it can potentially lead to a serious accident.

With unexpected cancellations continuing, the inside of Jeju Airport is reportedly crowded with passengers. In particular, more than 10,000 travelers who came for school trips and were planning to return have suddenly been stranded.

Meanwhile, according to the Jeju Regional Meteorological Administration, 50 to 150 mm of rain is forecasted to fall in Jeju by the 6th, with over 400 mm expected in mountainous areas.

Strong winds exceeding 20 meters per second are also expected to continue. As of the 4th, wind speeds recorded in the Jeju area include △ Samgakbong at 27.8 m/s, △ Sajebi at 24.2 m/s, △ Saebyeol Oreum at 23.2 m/s, △ Daheul at 22.2 m/s, △ Sancheondan at 22.2 m/s, △ Yusuam at 20.9 m/s, and △ Jeju Airport at 20.4 m/s.

Flooding and wind damage are also ongoing. The Jeju Fire and Safety Headquarters reported that as of 3 PM on the day, there have been 15 cases of flooding and wind damage. For example, around 2:25 PM, 50 tons of water flowed into the basement of a building in Hamo-ri, Daejeong-eup, Seogwipo City, where firefighters conducted drainage operations.

Outdoor events planned for Children's Day on the 5th are reportedly being canceled one after another or converted to indoor events.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.