With the merger between Korean Air and Asiana Airlines drawing closer to its conclusion, Asiana’s membership in Star Alliance will come to an end.
Asiana Airlines will formally leave Star Alliance on December 16, 2026, 23:59 Korea Standard Time. The airline joined the Star Alliance in 2003, providing access to Asia and destinations worldwide.
Star Alliance and Asiana Airlines will work closely together to ensure a seamless and coordinated experience for customers in the lead-up to the airline’s departure from the Alliance.
Customers enrolled in any Star Alliance member airline’s frequent flyer program may continue to earn miles on Asiana Airlines-operated flights departing on or before October 15, 2026. Customers may also continue to redeem miles for Star Alliance award tickets and upgrades on Asiana Airlines for travel completed on or before December 16, 2026, subject to the redemption policies and timelines of their respective frequent flyer programme.
Customers are encouraged to consult their respective frequent flyer programme for details.
Additionally, Star Alliance Gold and Silver status customers may continue to enjoy alliance status benefits, including priority services, when travelling on Asiana Airlines until December 16, 2026. Star Alliance Gold customers may also continue to enjoy lounge access, including at eligible Asiana Airlines lounges when travelling on the Star Alliance network.
Still serving Incheon and South Korea, but diminished.
Following Asiana Airlines’ departure from Star Alliance, 14 Star Alliance member airlines will continue to operate to and from Incheon International Airport, including Air Canada, Air China, Air India, Air New Zealand, EVA Air, Ethiopian Airlines, Lufthansa, LOT Polish Airlines, SWISS, Singapore Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, Thai Airways, Turkish Airlines, and United. Today, these member airlines operate more than 1,900 direct flights each month from Incheon International Airport to 29 destinations worldwide.
Effective December 17, 2026, Star Alliance will comprise 25 member airlines.
With the loss of Asiana Airlines, there will be an impact. Whilst Star Alliance members will serve the main airports (Seoul-Incheon, Seoul-Gimpo, Busan and Jeju), access to domestic routes could well be impacted, given they will all be with Eastar Jet, t’way, Jeju Air and Korean Air (including Jin Air, Air Seoul and Air Busan).
It’s certainly going to be a different aviation landscape in South Korea – that’s for certain.
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