T’way Air, a low-cost Korean carrier, has seen its safety rating downgraded from 7 to 4 by AirlineRatings.com following a series of operational and safety violations.

The airline was recently fined 2 billion won ($1.48 million USD) by the Ministry of Transport for five breaches of aviation safety regulations, sparking concerns about its reliability and safety standards. This downgrade reflects the growing scrutiny on T’way Air as it grapples with maintenance issues, flight delays, and cancellations.

Key safety issues include:

1. Maintenance and Mechanical Defects:

   • One of the most prominent cases occurred in July 2024 when a T'way Air Airbus A330-300 (HL8501) was grounded due to a hydraulic system defect. This grounding marked the first time since 2018 that a specific aircraft was ordered out of operation for safety reasons. The issue was detected after the aircraft was scheduled for a flight from Incheon to Zagreb, Croatia, and T'way Air had to swap it with another aircraft, which led to further operational delays.

   • Mechanical problems have been a persistent issue, with the number of reported maintenance-related incidents increasing sharply. From 33 cases in 2020, the number jumped to 67 in 2021, 68 in 2022, and surged to 510 in 2023. By June 2024, 315 cases had already been reported.

2. Fines and Penalties for Safety Violations:

   • In 2024, T'way Air was fined 2 billion won ($1.48 million) by the South Korean Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport (MOLIT) for five separate violations of aviation safety regulations. These infractions were found during special inspections conducted by the ministry. The violations were related to both operational procedures and aircraft maintenance issues, raising serious concerns about the airline's adherence to safety standards.

3. Frequent Flight Delays and Cancellations:

   • The airline has also experienced a surge in flight delays and cancellations due to maintenance concerns. Between 2020 and mid-2023, T'way Air recorded 993 incidents of delays or cancellations linked to technical problems with its aircraft. The frequency of these issues spiked dramatically, with 68 cases in 2022 rising to 510 in 2023, signaling a growing problem in operational reliability.

About T’WAY

T'way Air is a low-cost carrier (LCC) based in South Korea, known for offering affordable regional and international flights. Established in 2004 as Hansung Airlines, it rebranded to T'way Air in 2010. The airline operates a growing fleet, primarily consisting of Boeing 737-800 aircraft, and has expanded its routes to cover destinations across Asia, including Japan, China, Taiwan, Vietnam, Thailand, and the Philippines. In recent years, it has also ventured into long-haul routes, including flights to European cities, beginning in 2023.

Headquartered in Seoul, T'way Air primarily uses Incheon International Airport and Gimpo International Airport as its hubs. The airline is positioned as a budget-friendly alternative to full-service carriers, attracting travelers with its competitive pricing. While its focus has traditionally been on short- to medium-haul flights, the introduction of larger aircraft like the Airbus A330-300 has allowed T'way Air to extend its services to longer routes.