SEOUL – Korean Air flight KE197 from Seoul to Ulaanbaatar was hit by severe turbulence last Sunday, resulting in injuries to 10 passengers and four crew members. The incident occurred about an hour after takeoff from Incheon International Airport as the plane was flying near Tianjin Airport in China at an altitude of 34,100 feet.

The turbulence was so intense that food carts were thrown around and passengers were thrown from their seats, causing bruises and cuts. The crew responded quickly and administered first aid while the captain stabilized the aircraft.

Korean Air has confirmed that all injured people have received medical attention after landing in Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia, and measures have been initiated to support affected passengers.

This incident underscores increasing concerns about severe turbulence in aviation, which experts say could become more frequent due to climate change. Korean Air has already responded by announcing that it will end cabin service 20 minutes early on medium and long-haul routes and ask passengers to remain strapped in throughout the flight. (zai)