After nearly four decades as an independent carrier, Asiana Airlines will disappear on 17 December 2026. From that date, every Asiana flight operates under Korean Air (KE). The OZ flight numbers vanish, the Asiana brand ends, and South Korea’s two major airlines become one.
Star Alliance membership finishes the night before — 16 December 2026 at 23:59 Korea Standard Time. For frequent flyers, award travellers, and anyone with Korea itineraries, the next few months matter.
Here’s exactly what you need to know, do, and prepare for.
Key Dates at a Glance
| Date | What Happens |
|---|---|
| 15 October 2026 | Last day to earn Star Alliance partner miles on Asiana-operated flights (normal credit). Later flights need a post-flight claim. |
| 1 December 2026 | Practical last realistic day for many Star Alliance programs to book new award seats on Asiana metal. |
| 16 December 2026 (23:59 KST) | Star Alliance exit. Elite benefits, lounge access and redemptions end. All Star Alliance award travel on Asiana must be completed by this date. |
| 17 December 2026 | Full integration. Asiana brand, operating certificate and OZ codes end. Everything becomes Korean Air under SkyTeam. |
| Q1 2027 | Air Busan and Air Seoul merge into Jin Air. |
What Happens to Your Tickets
Cash tickets Most will simply be reissued under KE flight numbers. Keep an eye on schedule changes — some frequencies and aircraft types will be rationalised as the combined network is optimised.
Star Alliance award tickets Travel must be finished by 16 December 2026. Asiana has indicated that already-ticketed awards for travel on or after 17 December will not be honoured (miles and taxes are refunded). If you hold any post-16 December awards, contact the issuing program now.
Loyalty Programs and Miles
Asiana Club converts into Korean Air’s SKYPASS.
- Flight-earned Asiana miles convert 1:1.
- Partner and credit-card miles convert at roughly 1:0.82.
- Former Asiana miles can generally be used for up to 10 years under the old Asiana award chart for Korean Air economy and Prestige (business) class.
- Elite status is mapped across to SKYPASS tiers (higher Asiana levels move into Morning Calm or Million Miler equivalents). Validity periods are honoured.
- From 17 December the combined carrier is fully SkyTeam. Star Alliance reciprocity ends.
Practical Steps for Travellers
- Audit your bookings now — especially any Star Alliance awards involving Asiana metal after mid-December.
- Book remaining Star Alliance awards soon if you still want them. Treat early December as the safe cutoff.
- Decide your alliance home — Stay with Star Alliance partners or shift earning and redemption focus toward SkyTeam (Delta SkyMiles, Flying Blue, etc.) and SKYPASS.
- Watch schedules for Seoul routes in the Northern Winter 2026/27 season. Frequencies and aircraft can change as Korean Air consolidates the network.
- Status match if needed — If you rely on Star Alliance Gold benefits for Korea travel, explore matches into other Star programs before the exit.
Bigger Picture for the Region
The combined Korean Air mainline fleet will sit in the 230–250 aircraft range, placing it among the larger global carriers. Incheon remains the primary hub and is expected to strengthen further.
On the low-cost side, Air Busan and Air Seoul will fold into Jin Air in early 2027, creating a significantly larger Korean LCC group under one brand.
For Australian travellers, direct services between Sydney/Melbourne and Seoul will continue under the Korean Air banner. Star Alliance connecting options via Asiana disappear; SkyTeam partners and Qantas’ own network become the main alternatives.
Bottom Line
17 December 2026 is a clean operational cutover, but the loyalty and award implications require action now. Book any remaining Star Alliance awards on Asiana sooner rather than later, confirm existing tickets, and decide where you want to earn and redeem for future Korea travel before mid-December.
The independent Asiana chapter closes after 38 years. Korean Air steps fully into its place. Watch the video to see the journey of the passionate dedication and hard work of the cabin crews from both companies for the soaring success of the integrated Korean Air! ✈
