246 Flights in Jeju Cancelled, Thousands of Passengers Stuck Due to Strong Winds

Departure information boards at Jeju International Airport, South Korea show flight cancellations and delays. (Yonhap photo)

JAKARTA - Bad weather hit Jeju Island, South Korea, on Thursday, April 9. A total of 246 flights at Jeju International Airport were canceled, while more than 3,000 passengers were stranded. Strong winds and heavy rain disrupted air and sea traffic.

According to a Yonhap report quoted on Thursday, April 19, the gale warning is in effect throughout Jeju. The maximum wind speed was recorded at 28.9 meters per second on Udo Island and 27.2 meters per second at Jeju International Airport.

As of 19.00 local time, a total of 246 flights were canceled, including 12 international routes. In addition, another 83 flights were delayed. This means that Jeju is not only hit by bad weather, but also paralyzed on one of its main entry and exit routes.

The disruption did not stop at the airport. Due to the high wave warning, all passenger ferries between Jeju and its surrounding islands were also temporarily stopped. When the air is jammed and the sea is closed, thousands of people practically have no many choices.

The local government also reported damage to facilities and a number of incidents of residents who were isolated in several areas. In response to the situation, the Jeju Provincial Government activated the Level 1 emergency response system from the beginning of the day.

Jeju International Airport also issued a "watchful" level warning to help stranded passengers get accommodation, as well as carry out other safety measures. In a Yonhap report, weather authorities also warned that heavy rain with an intensity of 20 to 30 millimeters per hour could still continue until early Friday.

Residents and travelers are asked to be aware of the safety of facilities and the potential for accidents. In Jeju, the weather this time is clearly not just a drizzle that makes flights delayed. It disrupts the movement of thousands of people in one day.