AirAsiaX is facing scrutiny after one of its A330 flights made an unexpected landing at Gimpo International Airport (GMP) instead of its destination.
The Airbus A330 was operating Flight D7 506 from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) to Seoul Incheon International Airport (ICN). This flight has attracted widespread criticism from passengers over miscommunication and mishandling of the situation.
From Incheon to Gimpo – Surprise Diversion
Originally scheduled to arrive at Incheon at 7:50 p.m., the flight instead landed at Gimpo at 8:08 p.m. after circling in the air. Passengers had initially thought they were at their destination when the captain announced arrival at Incheon. Many of them stood up to take out their luggage from the overhead compartment, only to find, through windows and mobile phones, that they were actually at Gimpo.
“Everyone panicked. It seemed the cabin crew didn’t know we landed at Gimpo until passengers told them. One crew member even said she needed to call her parents, who were waiting for her at Incheon International Airport,” said Lee Mi-hyun, one of the passengers.
According to the Korea Airports Corporation, the flight was diverted due to turbulence near Incheon Airport. As a result, the aircraft landed at Gimpo airport for refueling before continuing to Incheon two hours later at 10:17 p.m.
Frustration Among Passengers
Several passengers including Ms. Lee, were frustrated by the manner in which the crew managed the two-hour delay until the onward flight to Incheon.
“They appeared just as confused as the passengers. No water was offered, and there was almost no food left on board, leaving passengers with children upset. Some even said they would rather get off at Gimpo before the plane departed for Incheon,” Lee Mi-hyun told The Korea Herald.
Another passenger, Ryu, 39, said there was no explanation during the wait:
“During the two hours before we departed for Incheon again, there was no clear explanation of what caused the landing error or any effort to reassure passengers.”
The flight eventually landed at Incheon at 10:59 p.m., where the captain and cabin crew apologized via the public address system.
AirAsiaX’s Response
In an official statement, AirAsia X (AAX) confirmed the details of the diversion:
“AirAsia X (AAX) confirms that flight D7506 from Kuala Lumpur (KUL) to Incheon International Airport (ICN) on 13 August landed safely at 10.54 p.m. The flight had diverted to Gimpo International Airport (GMP) earlier in the evening for refuelling following air traffic congestion at ICN due to adverse weather conditions.”
“Safety is our highest priority, and the captain acted in full accordance with standard operating procedures, including keeping guests informed of the diversion initially in English. A miscommunication occurred in the cabin crew announcement upon landing, which the captain promptly clarified, confirming the diversion to Gimpo Airport due to adverse weather and refuelling.”
Benyamin Ismail, CEO of AirAsia X, described the incident as an “unforeseen situation caused by adverse weather in Incheon.” He added that the airline will review internal announcements and onboard communication procedures to ensure “greater clarity in such situations.”
Moreover, the airline also said it will issue travel vouchers as a goodwill gesture to affected passengers, expressing gratitude for their understanding and cooperation.
Bottom Line – AirAsiaX Wrong Airport Landing
While AirAsiaX clarified safety was always the concern and the diversion was inevitable due to weather-induced air traffic delays, passengers’ accounts suggest that the confusion and communication breakdown could have worsened the situation.
AirAsiaX Wrong Airport Landing is currently a buzzword among aviation enthusiasts and travelers alike as it showcases just how crucial open communication has to be, especially in the event of unexpected operational changes.
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