Asiana Airlines to leave Star Alliance in December 2026 as network realignment begins

Asiana Airlines will formally exit the Star Alliance on 16 December 2026, ending a 23-year membership that began in 2003.

The alliance confirmed that it will continue operating with 14 member airlines serving Incheon International Airport, maintaining extensive connectivity from Seoul with more than 1,900 monthly flights to 29 destinations worldwide.

In the transition period, both Asiana Airlines and Star Alliance members will coordinate to minimise disruption for passengers. Frequent flyer benefits will continue until the exit date: mileage accrual on Asiana flights will be available for travel up to 15 October 2026, while award redemptions and upgrade eligibility will remain valid for travel completed by 16 December 2026. Star Alliance Gold and Silver benefits, including priority services and lounge access, will also remain in place until the departure date.

After Asiana’s exit, Star Alliance will comprise 25 member airlines globally. Several major carriers operating from Incheon—including Lufthansa, United Airlines, Singapore Airlines, and others—will continue serving the Seoul market.

The Lufthansa Group said it has already begun preparing for the transition, including rebooking protections for affected passengers and adjustments to its Korea strategy, with a stronger focus on intermodal rail partnerships and cooperation with low-cost carrier Jeju Air to maintain connectivity.

The change reflects broader realignment within airline alliances but is designed to ensure continuity of global connectivity for passengers travelling to and from South Korea. Asiana Airlines is to be integrated into Korean Air, which is part of the Skyteam alliance