More than 300 South Korean nationals detained in Georgia after a U.S. immigration raid have returned home on a chartered Korean Air Boeing 747-8i, landing at Incheon International Airport on Friday, September 12, 2025. The flight capped a tense week of diplomatic negotiations and drew attention to both the human impact of the raid and the rare use of one of the world’s few remaining passenger 747s for a special mission.
The U.S. Immigration Raid in Georgia
On September 4, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents conducted a high-profile raid at a Hyundai-LG battery plant construction site near Savannah, Georgia. Nearly 475 people were detained, including 316 South Koreans.
Many of those arrested were accused of violating the terms of their visas, having entered the United States under business or visa waiver programs while performing work at the site. Images of detainees shackled at the wrists and ankles quickly spread online, triggering outrage in South Korea and sparking calls for an official response from Seoul.
Diplomatic discussions between the two countries began almost immediately. South Korean officials pressed for the release of their citizens, citing humanitarian concerns and the need for a clear visa program to support skilled foreign workers in U.S.-based industrial projects. By September 11, negotiations had secured the release of the detained South Koreans, paving the way for their return home.
The Repatriation Flight
Korean Air deployed one of its Boeing 747-8 passenger aircraft to bring the group back to Seoul in a single nonstop operation. The aircraft departed the United States on September 12 and landed at Incheon International Airport later that day, where families and officials gathered to welcome the passengers home.
Although the airline has not officially confirmed the registration number of the aircraft, its passenger 747-8 fleet is limited to five active jets: HL7636, HL7637, HL7638, HL7642, and HL7644. These aircraft are typically used on long-haul routes such as Seoul to New York, Los Angeles, and London, making them ideal for this high-capacity charter mission.
Passengers arriving at Incheon described their experience as both relieving and traumatic. While grateful to be home, many spoke of difficult conditions during their detention in Georgia and uncertainty about their future ability to work in the United States.
Korean Air’s History With the 747
Korean Air has a long and storied relationship with the Boeing 747. The airline introduced its first 747 in the early 1970s as it expanded its international network. Over the decades, Korean Air operated almost every major variant of the jumbo jet, including the 747-200, 747-300, and the highly successful 747-400.
The latest and most advanced model, the Boeing 747-8i, joined Korean Air’s fleet in 2016. These aircraft replaced older 747-400s and continue to serve key routes where capacity and range are critical. Korean Air is now one of only a handful of carriers worldwide still flying the passenger version of the 747-8.
Why the 747-8 Remains Essential
While many airlines have retired their 747 fleets in favor of more fuel-efficient twin-engine jets, Korean Air continues to find value in the 747-8. Its unique combination of capacity and operational flexibility makes it indispensable for certain missions.
The aircraft can carry up to 368 passengers in Korean Air’s three-class configuration, offering more seats than a Boeing 777-300ER or Airbus A350. This is particularly important on routes with consistently high demand, as well as during special operations like this repatriation flight.
Beyond passenger service, Korean Air also operates a large fleet of 747-8 freighters, allowing the airline to leverage shared maintenance and operational expertise across both divisions.
A Symbol of Prestige and Capability
The 747 remains one of the most recognizable symbols in aviation. For Korean Air, operating the aircraft is not only about capacity but also about prestige. The jumbo jet’s presence at major international airports reinforces the airline’s global reach and reputation for handling complex, large-scale operations.
In this case, using the 747-8 for the repatriation flight sent a message of care and efficiency, allowing the airline to bring hundreds of people home in a single, nonstop journey.
Moving Forward After the Raid
The incident has created diplomatic friction between Seoul and Washington. South Korean officials have urged the U.S. government to establish a new visa category for skilled foreign workers to prevent future conflicts. Discussions are underway about forming a joint working group to streamline visa approvals for industrial projects like the Hyundai-LG plant.
For Korean Air, the operation demonstrated the continued value of maintaining a diverse fleet. The 747-8 may no longer dominate the skies as it once did, but in moments like this, it remains an unmatched tool for moving large numbers of people safely and quickly.
