CORTIS Paris Flight Delay Rumors Debunked: What Actually Happened

Rumors that K-POP group CORTIS delayed an Air France flight out of Paris and blocked other passengers from exiting a jet bridge while changing clothes have spread online this week. A review of the flight records and the original incident shows the claims are not true.

The accusations began circulating on X on June 28. One user claimed that Air France Flight 264 from Charles de Gaulle Airport was scheduled to depart at 2:40 p.m., that CORTIS did not board until 2:45 p.m., and that the plane did not leave until 3:18 p.m. The post framed the group as the reason the flight was held up and said other passengers were inconvenienced.

The flight's own records tell a different story. According to the departure log for that day, Flight 264 left the gate at 3:01 p.m. Airline departure times are measured from the moment the aircraft leaves the gate, not when it lifts off the runway. The user appears to have confused takeoff time with departure time. An aviation industry source said takeoff time depends on runway conditions at the airport and has little to do with when passengers actually board.

The flight's departure times over the most recent 10 days have ranged from 2:42 p.m. to 3:16 p.m. The airline's posted departure time is 2:40 p.m., but long-haul international routes are typically built with a cushion in the schedule. What matters more on these routes is the arrival time, and the flight CORTIS was on landed just one minute behind its scheduled arrival. Only two of the last 10 flights on the same route arrived earlier than the scheduled 9:35 a.m. The day before CORTIS flew, the route landed at 9:41 a.m. KST, also later than scheduled.

CORTIS did arrive at the airport later than planned that day. A traffic accident on the route to Charles de Gaulle caused heavy congestion. The airline was notified of the situation in advance. Airlines routinely hold flights for late passengers when doing so will not affect arrival time, regardless of whether those passengers are celebrities. Aircraft also wait short periods for connecting passengers every day at major airports. In other words, the group received no special treatment. If a passenger arrives too late to fit within the normal departure window, the airline simply refuses check-in at the counter.

A separate claim accused the group of blocking the jet bridge while disembarking to change clothes. Posts read along the lines of, "We needed to get off the plane and CORTIS stood in front of us on the jet bridge changing clothes for three minutes. Did they rent the whole bridge?" That incident actually dates back to October. A representative for BIGHIT MUSIC said the members were the last to leave the aircraft after all other passengers had gotten off and were simply sorting their belongings. The claim that they blocked passengers to change clothes is not true.

The photo being shared as evidence also does not support the claim. The image was taken on the jet bridge, facing toward the aircraft door. That area is not accessible to the general public in the reverse direction. Only airport staff can move that way. The person who took the photo had already exited the plane and turned around to take the shot, then framed the situation as if the group had been blocking the way forward.

HYBE has expressed concern about the speed at which unverified claims about CORTIS have spread. The company is reportedly reviewing possible legal action.

On June 24 local time, Seonghyun, Juhoon, and Keonho of CORTIS attended the Dior show at Paris Fashion Week Men's Spring/Summer 2027 alongside BTS member Jimin.