Seoul-based airline, Asiana Airlines (Asiana), is to leave Star Alliance on December 16, 2026, 23:59 Korea Standard Time. The airline’s departure will reduce the alliance’s membership to 25 airlines. Asiana is in the process of merging with Korean Air, with the process due to complete in December 2026.
Seamless Departure
Star Alliance, which Asiana was a member of since 2003, has thanked the airline and its employees for “contributing to the exceptional customer experience that the Alliance is known for worldwide.”
Moving forward, the airline and Star Alliance will collaborate to ensure a seamless transition for customers as Asiana leaves the group.
Passengers enrolled in any Star Alliance members’ frequent flyer programmes can continue to earn miles on flights operated by Asiana Airlines departing on or before October 15, 2026.
Customers can also continue redeeming miles for award tickets and upgrades on Asiana Airlines until December 16, 2026.
Star Alliance Gold customers can enjoy status benefits and priority services, as well as lounge access (including eligible Asiana Airlines lounges), until December 16, 2026, while Silver customers can also enjoy status benefits and priority services until the same date.
Following Asiana’s departure, 14 Star Alliance member airlines will continue operating to and from Incheon International Airport, offering more than 1,900 direct monthly flights to 29 destinations worldwide.
Adapting Korean Market Approach
The founding member of Star Alliance, Lufthansa Group, is ensuring continuity for customers by offering the reprotection of existing tickets on Korean Air, from September 2026. The reprotection of tickets involves an airline rebooking passengers onto an alternative flight if their original flight is delayed, overbooked or cancelled.
It is also adapting its approach to the Korean market, including strengthening its relationship with another Korean airline, Jeju Air, and building an intermodal partnership with Korail. This air and ground connectivity will ensure passengers, who tend to travel to Seoul as their final destination, can continue to enjoy a competitive service.
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