South Korea Faces Travel Disruptions as Korean Air, Delta, Aeromexico, and More Airlines Cancel Nine Key Flights Affecting Routes to Gwangju, New York, Seattle, Mexico City, and More

Published on December 27, 2025

Travelers in South Korea faced significant disruptions this week as multiple flights were canceled at Jeju International Airport and Incheon International Airport. In total, nine departures were affected, including routes to Gwangju, Cheongju, Gimpo, New York, Seattle, and Mexico City. These Jeju and Incheon flight cancellations left passengers searching for alternative arrangements and highlighted operational challenges at the country’s major airports.

Canceled Flights Overview

Total cancellations: 9
Affected destinations: Gwangju, Cheongju, Gimpo, New York, Seattle, Mexico City

Jeju Airport Cancels Several Domestic Flights

Jeju International Airport reported six flight cancellations on Friday morning, primarily affecting early-morning travelers heading to major South Korean cities. These Jeju Airport delays caused inconvenience for passengers traveling to Gwangju, Cheongju, and Gimpo, and required many to reconsider their travel plans.

The affected flights included:

• KAL1604 to Gwangju at 07:50 AM KST
• KAL1704 to Cheongju at 07:30 AM KST
• KAL1126 to Gimpo International at 07:45 AM KST
• KAL1358 to Gimpo International at 07:25 AM KST
• KAL1118 to Gimpo International at 07:00 AM KST
• KAL1352 to Gimpo International at 06:25 AM KST

Passengers affected by these cancellations were advised to contact airlines for rebooking and alternative travel options.

Incheon Airport Experiences International Flight Disruptions

Incheon International Airport also faced notable disruptions impacting international flights to the U.S. and Mexico. On Friday evening, travelers bound for New York and Seattle encountered cancellations, while Saturday afternoon saw disruptions for Mexico City-bound passengers.

Key canceled flights included:

• KAL85 to John F Kennedy International Airport at 07:30 PM KST
• DAL9972 to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport at 09:00 PM KST
• AMX91 to Lic. Benito Juarez International Airport at 01:30 PM KST (Saturday)

Passengers affected by Delta Airlines flight disruption or Aeromexico flight cancelation were encouraged to confirm new travel arrangements promptly.

Understanding the Impact

The Jeju and Incheon flight cancellations affected both business travelers and holidaymakers. Morning departures at Jeju disrupted domestic connections, while evening and afternoon flights at Incheon delayed long-haul international travel.

Travelers should take note of the following:

• Check flight status before heading to the airport
• Contact airlines promptly for rebooking or refund options
• Prepare for potential delays at connecting flights due to these disruptions
• Stay updated with airport announcements for further changes

Airlines are actively coordinating with passengers to manage the backlog, but travelers may still face extended waiting times, particularly during peak travel periods.

Airline-Specific Observations

• Korean Air cancellations affected multiple flights from both Jeju and Incheon, highlighting the widespread nature of domestic and international disruptions
• Delta Airlines flight disruption impacted travelers bound for Seattle, showing the vulnerability of U.S.-bound routes to operational delays
• Aeromexico flight cancelation caused Saturday afternoon cancellations, affecting passengers traveling to Mexico City
• Jeju Airport delays primarily impacted early morning domestic travel to Gwangju, Cheongju, and Gimpo
• Incheon Airport disruptions had a broader effect on international travel, particularly long-haul flights to the U.S. and Mexico

Tips for Travelers Amid Ongoing Cancellations

Passengers planning to travel through Jeju or Incheon airports are advised to take proactive steps to reduce the impact of cancellations:

• Monitor official airline channels for real-time updates
• Arrive at the airport earlier than usual to accommodate potential delays
• Explore alternative flights or connecting routes if schedules are disrupted
• Keep essential travel documents and tickets accessible for quick rebooking

By staying informed and flexible, travelers can minimize the inconvenience caused by Jeju and Incheon flight cancellations.

Conclusion

Recent disruptions at South Korea’s key airports have underscored vulnerabilities in both domestic and international air travel. Jeju Airport delays disrupted morning domestic travel, while Incheon Airport disruptions affected major international routes. Airlines are working to mitigate the effects, but passengers are urged to remain vigilant, plan ahead, and stay updated on flight changes.

The Jeju and Incheon flight cancellations serve as a reminder for travelers to maintain flexibility and verify flight information regularly, particularly during busy travel periods.