What Happened
South Korea's Flag Carrier Emerges After Five-Year Consolidation
Korean Air will become South Korea’s integrated flag carrier on December 17, 2026, following the approval of its merger with Asiana Airlines on May 13, 2026. The merger, which began in November 2020, will see Korean Air absorb all of Asiana’s assets, liabilities, and personnel. The airline plans to invest in lounge renewals, catering updates, and terminal relocations to improve the passenger experience. According to AeroTime, the merger represents the final major step in the consolidation process, which has required regulatory approvals from over a dozen jurisdictions.