Monday, July 21, 2025
One of South Korea’s worst summer rains has taken a heavy toll on air travel, with floods and landslides playing havoc with travel plans. It left the country drenched by heavy rains for days, causing extensive infrastructure damage — to airports and roads in particular. Here’s what we know about how the torrential rains are impacting flights, what the weather is likely to have in store and what travelers can expect given the developing situation.
Torrential Rain and Floods Scrub South Korea’s Flights
An enormous outburst of precipitation struck southern Korea from Wednesday, July 17 to Sunday, July 20; some areas saw 600-800 mm of precipitation fell, unprecedented in volume. The excessive rain caused floods and multiple landslides that affected the country travel infrastructure on a massive scale, affecting all means of transportation, especially air travel. Airports in the affected regions experienced flight delays, including Incheon International Airport in Seoul, Gwangju Airport and Daegu International Airport.
Airlines providing flights to and from South Korea had to cancel or reschedule a number of flights as the floodwaters rose at alarming speed. Flight take-offs were delayed by heavy rain which choked traffic on the roads to the airports and passengers struggled to get to the terminals on time. At Gwangju Airport, a major transit center in the south, workers scrambled to ensure the safety of passengers, even as many flights were delayed.
Shutting airport and flight disruption in view of landslides
Mudslides prompted by the heavy rain also added to the chaos. Southern South Korea – Sancheong Town This town in the south of the country was home to deadly landslides that killed many and left behind a great deal of destruction. The land and mud slides cut off access to some local airports, including at Gwangju and Daegu, stranding passengers trying to make their way out of harm’s way.
Occassionally, they had to stop the ground services for the residents and aircraft failed to take off and land on their ground. Seoul’s Incheon International Airport was late to the game, delaying schedules as arriving flights attempted to reroute, in ways that prolonged the travel for a lot of passengers.
Next: Evacuation and a Blow to the Airport
About 3,800 people throughout South Korea have been forced to flee their homes from floodwaters, and many took refuge in emergency shelters hastily organized in temporary spaces near the airports, the officials said. That resulted in ripples being sent through their operations, causing some workers and passengers to be stuck at or unable to reach flights.
Though airlines have tried to minimize the disruptions, many travelers were rebooking flights to their destinations, adding to the headaches and confusion. Animals were stranded at farms as the waters rose, complicating the challenge of moving them and other goods, even by air cargo.
Travelers, Here’s What to Know Flight Updates and the Weather Forecast
The raining threat of heavy downpours has disappeared, and the weathermen are now forecasting a heat wave! But the ripple effects of the storms will continue to be felt in the scheduled flights in the coming days. Dozens of flights have been cancelled and delayed in the country, with domestic flights between the southern cities of Sancheong, Gwangju, and Daegu to Seoul among the most affected.
Travelers are already recommended to check with their individual airlines for the latest flight status. Carriers are offering refunds or revised tickets for passengers affected by the suspension. Weather advisories also will bear watching since the heat wave may result in other air-travel delays.
Flight Cancellations and Alternative Routes
Travellers arriving to and departing from Korea should practice a flexible travel plan. The rains and landslides have already caused jitters with domestic and international flights to and from the airport cancelled or delayed. Those who still must be motoring elsewhere can take alternate routes, but the travel times are not looking good.
Travelers transfering from airports in Seoul or other large airports to international hotspots in Asia such as Tokyo, Beijing and Hong Kong could also find alternative flights from neighboring airports. Most airlines have loosened their restrictions on rebooking long-haul flights to nearly any date, but available dates are limited so act fast.
Extreme Weather Forecast: What to Expect Next
‘Whether this weekend’s forecast is indicating no more intense rain but the heatwave after the rain is coming, and the temperature will rise to over 30 degrees It keeps being raining and hot as the temperature keeps rising It will probably make the traffic conditions worse. The sustained wetness would drive up the real-feel temperature, possibly adversely affecting air quality and recovery efforts across the airports, which might experience delays. Travelers can also anticipate that longer-than-normal waits — and possible delays — at security checkpoints are likely to persist for several days, as airports make a recovery from the impact of the storm.
South Korea Travel Tips: How to Prepare for Rainy Season
Here’s what travelers flying to or from South Korea in the days ahead can do to make their journey as smooth as possible:
Stay Informed: Keep an eye on your airline’s website and official South Korean government weather updates for real time updates about flight cancellations, delays and weather advisories.
Travel Flexibility: If possible, you may want to reschedule flights and steer clear of peak travel times when the storm’s aftermath is contributing to gridlock.
In case of a canceled or delayed flight: Consider all remaining options for transportation, if your flight is canceled or delayed, by bus or train.
Show Up Early: As things currently stand, anticipate delays at the airport and give yourself enough time for a security line and maybe a rescheduling.
Pack for Heat: Load up your carry-on with water and sunscreen, and wear light clothing in preparation, instead, for the excruciatingly long lines at the airport in the next few days.
What to Watch as South Korea Rebuilds Its Air Traffic
South Korea’s aviation in for turbulent period as recovery work kicks in. Airport officials are working to get as many flights back on schedule as quickly as possible, but passengers could experience delays, especially in the South.
In the medium and long run assistance will focus on restoring infrastructure, like access roads to airports, and the reconstructing of buildings in the affected areas. The coming weeks will be key in demonstrating how soon full flight operations can be resumed.
Conclusion: All travelers who are susceptible Must ALWAYS be prepared
The deadly South Korea floods and landslides have thrown air traffic into chaos, with many people left stranded or delayed. The worst of the rains may be over but their aftermath will likely still be impacting on flight delays. Travelers should also stay flexible and monitor their flights, and prepare for a heat wave that could add complications to air travel. But as the country works to move forward in that grieving process, do please keep updated on the situation, and to prepare for any more aftershocks.
Source Credit: www.abc.net.au
