Tourists advised to avoid flights to South Korea amid airport strike

Tengrinews.kz – Travelers heading to South Korea may face major disruptions as airport workers prepare for a nationwide strike starting September 19, potentially lasting through the Chuseok holiday (September 26–28), Yonhap reports.
Around 15,000 employees from 15 airports, including Incheon and Gimpo, are expected to join the protest organized by the National Alliance of Airport Workers. The unions are demanding better working conditions and a shift from the current “three teams, two shifts” system to “four teams, two shifts,” citing fatigue, injuries and health issues.
Union representatives warned that over 60 percent of staff have confirmed participation, raising the risk of long delays and even flight cancellations.

“Even during Lunar New Year, without a strike, delays ranged from three to eight hours,” one official said.

Incheon Airport management, however, assured passengers that essential services related to flight safety cannot be interrupted.

“Even if the strike begins, flights will not be canceled. Critical operations will continue,” a spokesperson told Chosun Daily.

Experts still advise travelers to prepare for possible delays. Those planning trips to South Korea from September 19 through Chuseok are recommended to check flight updates with airlines and allow extra time for transfers.
Earlier, passengers were also warned of potential air traffic disruptions in France, where the SNCTA union of air traffic controllers announced a 24-hour strike starting the morning of September 18.