The long-running Korean Air–Asiana Airlines merger is approaching its conclusion. Asiana shareholders are expected to vote this month to approve the final merger terms, clearing the path for a formal integration on December 17, 2026. The consolidation creates one of Asia’s largest carriers by passenger volume and brings significant changes for travelers who hold Asiana miles, fly through Incheon, or book codeshare itineraries on either airline.
Key Dates
- August 2026: Asiana shareholder vote approves merger terms
- December 16, 2026: Asiana Airlines exits Star Alliance
- December 17, 2026: Korean Air–Asiana merger legally completes
What Happens to Asiana Club Miles
Asiana Club frequent flyer miles will transfer to Korean Air’s SKYPASS programme at a conversion rate yet to be finalized. Asiana has confirmed members will receive advance notice of at least 90 days before conversion. If you hold Asiana Club miles, it is worth redeeming them before December for known award availability, particularly for Star Alliance partner flights — those redemption options disappear when Asiana exits the alliance on December 16.
Incheon Airport Expansion
Separately, the $3.6 billion expansion of Incheon Terminal 2 is progressing toward a planned 2027 opening, which will raise total airport capacity to 100 million passengers annually. Construction is visible in the Terminal 2 zone but does not currently affect passenger processing. The airport remains fully operational and continues to rank among Asia’s most efficient for transit.
For Travelers Flying in December
If you have Asiana tickets issued for travel after December 17, check your booking confirmation. Korean Air has stated it will honor existing Asiana tickets for 12 months post-merger, but the operating carrier and terminal assignments at some airports may change. For Seoul Gimpo and Incheon flights, Asiana currently uses Terminal 1 — post-merger operations are expected to consolidate gradually into Terminal 2 over 2027.
Codeshare agreements with United Airlines and other Star Alliance partners via Asiana will terminate at the Star Alliance exit date. Travelers with complex itineraries involving Asiana-operated legs booked on Star Alliance carriers should verify their connections before December 16.
Fares and Routes
The combined carrier will initially maintain both brands’ route networks. Route rationalization — typically involving the elimination of duplicate services — is expected to begin in mid-2027. For now, competition between the two brands on domestic Korean routes keeps fares relatively stable.
Budget carriers Air Busan and Air Seoul, both currently part of the Asiana group, will be spun off as independent carriers under the merger conditions set by antitrust regulators.