T'way Air jet battles strong crosswinds before landing safely as severe winds disrupt Jeju flights

A T'way Air passenger aircraft that battled severe crosswinds before landing safely at Jeju International Airport in South Korea on Friday highlighted the hazardous weather that continued into Saturday, when strong winds forced the cancellation of more than 100 flights.

Video footage showed the aircraft swaying noticeably from side to side on its final approach before touching down while significantly banked to the right, highlighting the challenging weather conditions facing pilots operating at the airport.

The aircraft abandoned its first landing attempt before returning for a second approach, which ended in a safe landing despite the difficult conditions.

Footage recorded inside the cabin captured passengers screaming as the aircraft shook violently during the descent. One passenger filming the landing briefly lost control of a mobile phone because of the turbulence, while applause broke out after the aircraft touched down safely.

Jeju International Airport was under simultaneous strong wind and wind shear warnings. Wind shear refers to sudden changes in wind speed or direction during take-off and landing, increasing the risks for aircraft and often resulting in delays, cancellations or diversions.

More than 100 flights cancelled or diverted

The severe weather caused widespread disruption to flight operations throughout the day.

According to Jeju International Airport and the Korea Airports Corporation (KAC), 105 flights had been cancelled by 1 p.m. local time, including 103 domestic flights — comprising 48 departures and 55 arrivals — and two international flights, Yonhap News Agency reported. Three international flights were also forced to divert after being unable to land safely.

Earlier in the morning, 81 domestic flights had already been cancelled by 9 a.m., while two international arrivals turned back because of the weather, according to local media.

By 3 p.m., the number of cancelled flights remained at 105, while another 85 flights had been delayed, according to Chosun.

The Aviation Meteorological Office said strong wind and wind shear advisories remained in effect at Jeju International Airport and urged travellers to check flight information before heading to the airport, noting that schedules could change depending on weather conditions and airline decisions.

Strong winds sweep across Jeju

The Korea Meteorological Administration forecast average wind speeds of between 9 and 13 metres per second at Jeju International Airport, with maximum gusts ranging from 15 to 23 metres per second.

According to the Jeju Regional Meteorological Administration, instantaneous wind speeds of around 20 metres per second affected much of the island, while mountainous areas experienced gusts exceeding 25 metres per second.

The highest one-hour maximum instantaneous wind speeds recorded included 28.9 metres per second at Hallasan Samgakbong, 21.9 metres per second at Saebyeol Oreum, 19.6 metres per second at Gosan, 16.3 metres per second at Daeheul and 15.8 metres per second at Saekdal.

Strong wind advisories remained in effect across the mountainous and mid-mountain regions of Jeju Island, as well as western and northern parts of Jeju City, western and southern Seogwipo City, and the Chujado Islands.

Airport activates stranded passenger support

Jeju International Airport activated the "caution" level of its stranded passenger support system as the number of cancelled flights increased.

The measure is triggered when cancellations of departing flights affect more than 3,000 passenger seats.

A Jeju Airport official said, "Aircraft operations continue to be disrupted due to strong winds," adding, "Passengers should check flight information in advance."

Authorities also advised travellers to verify departure and arrival information through airline websites, mobile applications or official airport channels before leaving for the airport, particularly during the busy summer travel season when securing replacement flights may be difficult.

Emergency authorities also responded to multiple reports of wind-related damage across the island. According to the Jeju Fire Safety Headquarters, 21 safety measures were carried out from the previous day through the morning of 12 July, while Chosun reported about 30 facility safety responses over the two-day period.

The incidents included fallen pedestrian traffic lights, toppled roadside trees, damaged signs, shaken awnings and loose exterior building materials.

The Korea Meteorological Administration urged residents to secure vulnerable outdoor structures, including signs, greenhouses, awnings and construction barriers, and warned people to avoid coastal areas where high swells could wash over breakwaters and rocky shorelines until weather conditions improve.

Authorities said airport and port operations would continue to be adjusted in line with changing weather conditions, while emergency agencies remained on alert for further wind-related incidents.