Jeju Airport suspends runway ops; 163 flights canceled, 5 diverted amid snow
By Matteo Floris
Last updated on February 10, 2026
Jeju International Airport suspended runway operations until around 11:00 a.m. on 8 February 2026 due to heavy snow and strong winds. Of 461 scheduled services, 163 were canceled and five were diverted, leaving about 11,000 passengers stranded. Snow-clearing teams worked to reopen the runways, but authorities warned schedules could remain unstable. Emergency supplies were distributed, with thousands of blankets, mattresses, and bottled water made available. Meteorological data showed 21.5 cm of snowfall near Mount Halla and an ongoing heavy snow warning for mountainous areas.
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Heavy snow and strong winds led Jeju International Airport to suspend runway operations until approximately 11:00 a.m. on Sunday, 8 February 2026. The disruption significantly affected the day’s flight program: out of 461 scheduled flights, 163 were canceled and five were diverted. As a result, an estimated 11,000 passengers were left stranded at the airport.
Snow-clearing teams were deployed with plows and other equipment to reopen the airfield. While runway operations resumed late morning, officials cautioned that flight schedules would likely remain unstable due to the continuing snowstorm conditions.
To assist stranded travelers, both airport authorities and the Jeju provincial government organized on-site support. The airport maintained a stock of around 2,700 blankets, 1,500 mattresses, and 1,000 bottles of water. The provincial government also held additional reserves, including 2,158 blankets and 2,158 mattresses, to help meet passenger needs during the disruption.
Meteorological reports indicated that areas near Mount Halla recorded 21.5 centimeters of snowfall in the 24 hours up to midday on 8 February. A heavy snow warning remained in effect for Jeju’s mountainous regions, contributing to the operational challenges and the need for ongoing schedule adjustments.
In summary, adverse weather on 8 February caused a temporary runway closure at Jeju International Airport, leading to extensive cancellations and some diversions, with thousands of passengers affected. Although runway operations restarted later that morning, continued weather impacts were expected to influence flight timings and availability through the day.
Know your rights
These are your air passenger rights:
When your flight's disrupted, you may be entitled to various forms of care and compensation under EC 261 and other applicable laws.
Rerouting or refund
If your flight is canceled, your airline must provide an alternative. You may also get a full refund if you no longer wish to travel.
Care and assistance
Your airline must provide food and refreshments if your journey is delayed more than a few hours.
Accommodation
If you are away from home and your journey is delayed overnight, the airline must offer you accommodation and transportation to it.
Communication
Under EC 261 you are entitled to 2 phone calls or emails if your journey is delayed over 1 hour.
No compensation when a disruption is caused by extraordinary circumstances, as this appears to be.
This advice is provided to help you if your flight is delayed or canceled. However, the exact care and compensation you are entitled to will depend on your specific circumstances and flight. Always follow the directions of your airline, particularly with regard to check-in and boarding times.
Quick facts
Disruption:
Cancellation
Cause:
Weather issue
Compensation:
Not eligible for compensation
Flights affected:
168
Passengers affected:
11000
Status:
Past disruption
Start date:
2026-02-08
Airports affected:
Jeju International Airport
Checked by:
Matteo Floris
Date updated:
February 10, 2026
