Strong winds of up to 20 m/s disrupt air travel in Jeju... 81 flights canceled at Jeju International Airport

[Jeju = Financial News, Reporter Jung Yong-bok] Strong winds of around 20 meters per second swept across Jeju, disrupting both air and sea travel at the same time. At Jeju International Airport, more than 80 flights were canceled and an international flight turned back. Reports of damage to roadside trees and facilities also continued across the island.
According to KAC and Jeju International Airport officials on the 12th, 81 domestic flights had been canceled at Jeju International Airport as of 9 a.m. that morning.
That included 37 departures and 44 arrivals. Two international arrivals were unable to land at Jeju International Airport because of the strong winds and turned back.
Strong wind and wind shear warnings were issued for Jeju International Airport. Wind shear refers to a sudden and significant change in wind direction or speed during aircraft takeoff and landing. When strong winds around the runway are combined with abrupt shifts in wind direction, the risk during landing and takeoff rises, which can lead to delays, cancellations, or diversions.
The Aviation Meteorological Office said wind shear and strong wind advisories remain in effect at Jeju International Airport and urged travelers to check flight operations in advance. Because flight schedules can change at any time depending on weather conditions and airline decisions, passengers should confirm departure and arrival information with airlines and KAC before heading to the airport.

Damage from the strong winds also continued. According to the Jeju Fire Safety Headquarters, 21 safety measures were taken for facilities across Jeju from the previous day through the morning of the 12th.
In Jeju City, safety measures were taken after sunshades and large awnings were shaken by the wind. The previous day, a pedestrian traffic light fell and a roadside tree was knocked over.
The KMA said some areas of Jeju could see gusts of more than 20 meters per second, and mountainous areas could experience winds exceeding 25 meters per second. It urged caution over facility management and safety accidents. Strong wind advisories remain in effect for the mountainous and mid-mountain areas of Jeju Island, western and northern Jeju City, western and southern Seogwipo City, and Chujado Islands.
Sea travel was also affected. Rough sea warnings were issued for the far southern waters off Jeju Island, the waters near Jeju Island, and the far western waters of the southwestern sea.
Strong winds and high waves are also disrupting passenger ferry services to and from Jeju. The Santamonica, which was scheduled to depart from the coastal passenger terminal at Port of Jeju, stop at Sangchujado, and continue to Jindo Island, had its service canceled because of worsening weather.

Severe weather in Jeju directly affects the movement of tourists and residents. In particular, during the summer peak season, available seats are limited, so it may be difficult to secure alternative flights after cancellations. To reduce time spent at the airport, travelers should first check whether their booked flight is operating through the airline app or text alerts. If a cancellation is confirmed, it is safer to use the airline’s rebooking process.
People should also avoid approaching the coast. In areas under rough sea warnings, swell waves can wash over breakwaters and coastal rocks. The risk of accidents rises during photography, fishing, or coastal walks, so it is necessary to limit activities near the shore until the weather advisories are lifted.
Jeju Island and related agencies are continuing safety measures in response to reports of wind damage. Airport and port operations are also expected to keep being adjusted in line with changing weather conditions.
Air and sea transport disruptions to and from Jeju may continue until the strong winds ease. Travelers should check operating information before heading to the airport or port, and residents should inspect wind-vulnerable structures such as signs, vinyl greenhouses, sunshades, and construction-site barriers.


jyb@fnnews.com Jung Yong-bok Reporter