Severe network issues struck Incheon International Airport in South Korea on Friday morning, causing multiple airline ticketing systems to malfunction and resulting in hundreds of travelers being stranded. According to YTN reports, the airport's boarding systems were gradually restored by around 4 p.m., with some carriers still requiring manual check-in processes. A total of 13 airlines were affected. By the afternoon, China Southern Airlines, China Eastern Airlines, and China International Airlines' online and counter ticketing systems were completely paralyzed, unable to issue tickets or process boarding, leading to numerous flights being delayed. Approximately 1,200 passengers were stuck at the airport. Passenger connections for South Korea's national carrier, Korean Air, were somewhat slower, but its ticketing operations were not disrupted.
The implicated US supplier, ARINC Global Network System 'Airlink,' was found to be unstable by a preliminary investigation from the Incheon International Airport Corporation. The airport stated that due to the disruption of ticketing and check-in services, numerous outbound flights were delayed to varying degrees. To minimize inconvenience for passengers, additional security and guidance personnel have been deployed to the waiting areas to help alleviate congestion at the terminal.