Asiana, Aero K fined over notification issues involving baggage, flight delays

Asiana Airlines and Aero K Airlines have been imposed fines for failing to properly notify passengers of baggage issues and flight delays, the transport ministry said Thursday. Asiana was fined 12 million won ($8,550) while Aero K was fined 18 million won for violating the Aviation Business Act, according to the ministry. According to officials, Asiana became aware three to four hours before departure that some checked baggage could not be loaded onto three flights from Incheon, west of Seoul, to New York on Aug. 8-9. The airline, however, informed passengers of the issue via text message after the planes had already departed. Aero K, a low-cost carrier, failed to promptly notify passengers of delays for nine flights between March 30 and June 17. "We sincerely apologize to passengers who experienced inconvenience," Asiana said in a statement. "Following the incident, we have reinforced measures to prevent baggage from being left behind and established a prompt notification system to ensure similar issues do not recur."