About 180 Korean Air pilots went on a 10-day strike Thursday, forcing the country’s largest flag carrier to cancel its major Asian and Middle Eastern routes after wage hike negotiations fell apart.

It is the first walkout by the union since December 2005 when a four-day pilot strike resulted in financial losses from canceled flights and other service disruptions. The airliner cancelled 148 flights this time, including 12 cargo flights, which represent about 7 percent of the total scheduled flights between Dec. 22 and 31.

The company said it will maintain an operation rate of 97 percent for international flights, 90 percent for flights to Jeju and 72 percent for other domestic flights.

Under the law, up to 20 percent, or some 480, of 2,300 Korean Air pilots can take part in the strike. The union said only 189 are on a strike to minimize customer inconvenience and ensure safe flight.

Korean Air posted changes to flight schedules on its website in two slots - Dec. 22-26 and Dec. 27-31. During the 10 days, 24 international and 111.5 domestic flights will be cancelled. For the first round, airplanes for 20 international flights and 62 domestic flights will be grounded, with four international flights and 49.5 domestic flights on the second round.

Flights from Incheon to Narita, Osaka in Japan, Incheon to Hong Kong, Incheon to the United Arab Emirates, Dubai, Incheon to Saudi Arabia Riyadh and Jeddah are halted. On the domestic front, Gimpo to Gimhae, Gimpo to Ulsan, Gimpo to Yeosu, Gimpo to Gimhae flights are cancelled.

Consumers who reserved international flights that are cancelled due to the strike may change their schedule or get a refund without extra cost or penalty, and travelers who reserved domestic flights affected by the strike can get a refund. Details are available on Korean Air’s website (kr.koreanair.com).

By Kim Jung-hwan

[ⓒ Pulse by Maeil Business News Korea & mk.co.kr, All rights reserved]