(SEOUL) An AirAsia X flight from Kuala Lumpur bound for Incheon International Airport made an unexpected stop at Gimpo International Airport on August 13, 2025, sparking confusion among passengers and some crew before the aircraft continued on to its original destination. The carrier said the diversion of AirAsia X D7 506 was made for safety reasons due to bad weather and heavy traffic near Incheon, and that the mix-up that followed stemmed from a breakdown in communication on board.
The Airbus was scheduled to reach Incheon at 7:50 p.m. KST, but landed at Gimpo—about 40 km away—at 8:08 p.m. Passengers reported that cabin crew initially announced they had arrived at Incheon. That message was later corrected over the intercom by the captain, according to the airline.

The aircraft stayed on the ground at Gimpo for roughly two hours to refuel and wait out congestion, then departed at 10:03 p.m. and finally touched down at Incheon at 10:56 p.m.
AirAsia X framed the call as a standard diversion, not a mistaken landing. Chief executive Benyamin Ismail said the flight faced “adverse weather in Incheon” and a “risk of landing with fuel below requirements,” stressing that safety took priority. Steve Dailisan, the airline’s head of communications, added, “We did not land at the wrong airport but was diverted due to weather.”
Passenger confusion and onboard communication
Several passengers described a confusing scene after the wheels touched down at Gimpo. Some said crew members seemed taken by surprise and asked nearby passengers to confirm where the plane had landed. Others reported information changing several times in a short window, adding to stress.
Some travelers also said they were not offered water or food during the delay and asked to disembark at Gimpo, which was denied, as the plan was to continue the journey to Incheon once refueling and air traffic conditions allowed.
In its public statements, the airline acknowledged that the first cabin announcement saying the aircraft had arrived at Incheon was wrong. It apologized for the miscommunication and said the cockpit later corrected the destination. AirAsia X said it will review onboard announcement procedures and how information is shared between pilots and flight attendants to prevent similar episodes. As a goodwill gesture, the carrier also said it will issue travel vouchers to customers on this flight.
The airline described the diversion as a safety decision; the subsequent problem was a communication breakdown onboard.
Timeline (August 13, 2025)
- Scheduled arrival at Incheon: 7:50 p.m. KST
- Actual landing at Gimpo: 8:08 p.m.
- Ground time at Gimpo (refuel/wait): ~2 hours
- Departure from Gimpo: 10:03 p.m.
- Final arrival at Incheon: 10:56 p.m.
Airline response and expert views
AirAsia X stated that diverting to Gimpo allowed the crew to manage fuel levels safely while waiting out weather and traffic near Incheon. The company emphasized:
- Diversions for weather and fuel are common in global aviation.
- The operational decision to divert was appropriate; the issue was the quality and timing of cabin communication.
Travelers’ accounts varied but shared a common theme: mixed messages during a tense period. Media coverage across the region focused on this communication gap and how quickly confusion can spread near the end of a long international journey.
Aviation safety specialists noted:
- Pilots may divert to an alternate airport when weather, traffic, or fuel considerations make it safer.
- What stood out was the breakdown in cabin communications—accurate, simple updates are central to maintaining passenger trust.
Passenger rights advocates stressed that during delays airlines should provide:
- Timely updates
- Basic amenities such as water or light snacks
Why the airport choice matters for arrivals
In the Seoul area:
- Incheon International Airport handles most long-haul international traffic.
- Gimpo International Airport serves primarily domestic and short-haul regional routes.
When a long-haul flight like AirAsia X D7 506 lands first at Gimpo, even briefly, travelers can be uncertain about:
- Where immigration checks will occur
- Where baggage will be processed
- Where pickups and onward transport should meet passengers
Clear, step-by-step announcements are therefore essential so passengers know whether they will clear entry at the diversion point or continue to the original airport.
AirAsia X said the plan was to refuel at Gimpo and then proceed directly to Incheon, which is where passengers ultimately completed their journey. The airline pledged to improve crew guidance so such details are explained plainly and promptly if a diversion occurs mid-flight.
VisaVerge.com notes that diversions are routine for safety but can leave travelers unsure about next steps; plain-language updates make the experience smoother.
For official entry guidance to the Republic of Korea, consult the government’s immigration portal at https://www.hikorea.go.kr/pt/Main_en.pt. During any unforeseen airport change, travelers should:
- Listen closely to crew announcements
- Watch for updated airport signage after landing
- Ask crew to confirm where immigration and baggage handling will occur if uncertain
Aftermath and next steps
As of August 14, 2025, there were no reports of regulatory penalties or formal investigations by aviation authorities in South Korea or Malaysia related to the diversion. However, the event prompted wide public scrutiny and media calls for clearer procedures when operational changes affect passengers’ plans.
AirAsia X said it is conducting an internal review of cockpit–cabin coordination and will consider:
- Additional training for crew
- Clearer announcement scripts
- Improved procedures for sharing operational changes with passengers
Although no official regulatory action had been reported by August 14, continued media attention could increase pressure on carriers and authorities to tighten diversion playbooks—especially at busy hubs with multiple airports serving the same city.
For the travelers on AirAsia X D7 506, the night ended in Incheon—but later than planned and with more questions than usual for a weather-related diversion. The episode is a reminder that even routine safety decisions can become stressful for passengers if communication slips, and that steady, accurate updates can significantly improve outcomes when plans change mid-flight.
This Article in a Nutshell
An AirAsia X D7 506 diversion to Gimpo on August 13, 2025 highlighted safety-first decisions and the fallout from poor cabin communication, prompting an internal review, promised crew training, and travel vouchers to passengers affected by the two-hour ground delay before final arrival at Incheon.