Korean Air's acquisition of Asiana Airlines to be finalized on 17 December 2026

 Report, photo copyright by : Gan Yung Chyan, KUCINTA SETIA

On 13 May 2026, Korean Air and Asiana Airlines announced the formal approval of their merger agreement, with the acquisition of Asiana Airlines set to be finalized on 17 December 2026. Following six years of negotiations, the two carriers are finally set to complete their consolidation into a single, large-scale airline. As a result, Asiana Airlines will depart from the Star Alliance—a significant blow to travellers who favour Asiana’s specific product offerings and high-quality service. Post-merger, the Asiana Airlines brand and logo will be replaced by those of Korean Air, and Asiana’s frequent flyer program will be integrated into Korean Air’s own loyalty program.

Korean Air’s Acquisition of Asiana Airlines

In November 2020, Korean Air expressed its intent to acquire Asiana Airlines—South Korea’s second-largest carrier—a move that received support from Asiana. However, because the acquisition could potentially lead to unfair competition on certain international routes, the proposal became subject to mandatory regulatory review in 14 countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and Japan.

In January 2023, Korean Air submitted its proposal to acquire its competitor, Asiana Airlines, to the European Commission. The Commission subsequently launched an in-depth investigation, which included analyzing internal documents provided by the companies, as well as gathering information and feedback from rival airlines, potential market entrants, and customers. 

Following a months-long investigation, the European Commission concluded that a merger between Korean Air and Asiana Airlines—South Korea’s two largest carriers—would reduce competition on passenger routes between South Korea and several European nations, including France, Germany, Italy, and Spain, as well as in the air cargo market between Europe and South Korea. The Commission noted that a combined entity would become the dominant carrier on routes to Europe, likely leading to higher prices, diminished service quality, and increased travel costs for passengers—all of which would undermine fair market competition. Consequently, the European Commission issued a statement of objections in May 2023.

To address the Commission’s concerns regarding a potential monopoly in the air cargo sector, Korean Air decided to divest its cargo business, valued at approximately $740 million. Three South Korean low-cost carriers—Air Premia, Eastar Jet, and the cargo-focused airline Air Incheon—subsequently participated in the final bidding process. Furthermore, as part of a package of remedial measures, Korean Air agreed to allow another South Korean low-cost carrier, Trinity Airways (formerly T'way Air), to take over four routes from Asiana Airlines connecting Incheon to Frankfurt, Barcelona, ​​Rome, and Paris. In February 2024, pursuant to the EU Merger Regulation, the European Commission approved Korean Air’s acquisition of Asiana Airlines, contingent upon the airline’s full implementation of the proposed remedies.

Meanwhile, following a two-year market and customer investigation, the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) expressed concern that a merger could leave Korean Air and Asiana Airlines as the sole operators on the London Heathrow–Incheon route, forcing other competitors to rely on indirect flights—a scenario deemed detrimental to fair competition and consumer interests. In response, Korean Air agreed to relinquish some of its flight slots on the London Heathrow–Incheon route to Virgin Atlantic. 

In March 2023, the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority granted approval for the merger between Korean Air and Asiana Airlines. By the end of 2024, Korean Air’s $1.4 billion proposal to acquire Asiana Airlines had secured approval from regulatory authorities in 13 of the 14 required jurisdictions—including Singapore, the United Kingdom, China, and Japan—though it has yet to receive the green light from the United States.

In light of this, Korean Air President Woo Kee-hong stated that the airline is in close discussions with the U.S. Department of Justice. He expressed confidence that the Department would not take legal action to block the acquisition, noting that Korean Air is currently awaiting final approval from the relevant U.S. authorities.

The acquisition of Asiana Airlines by Korean Air is now nearing its conclusion. However, for members of airlines within the Star Alliance—to which Asiana Airlines previously belonged—this shift means they will no longer be able to earn or redeem miles on routes formerly operated by Asiana. Once the acquisition is officially finalized, Korean Air will take over Asiana’s existing routes and be better positioned to leverage synergies at Incheon International Airport. For member airlines of the SkyTeam alliance—including Delta Airlines—this development is expected to result in expanded travel benefits for their loyalty program members.