South Korea’s Asiana Airlines will formally leave Star Alliance on December 16, 2026, at 23:59 Korea Standard Time, the alliance has announced.

Asiana has been a member of Star Alliance since 2003, playing an important role in the alliance’s network in South Korea and across Asia. Its departure comes amid the broader consolidation of the South Korean airline market and the carrier’s integration with Korean Air. In its statement, Star Alliance thanked Asiana Airlines and its employees for their contribution to the customer experience delivered across the alliance’s global network.

For passengers, the transition will be gradual. Members of Star Alliance member airline frequent flyer programmes will continue to earn miles on Asiana Airlines-operated flights departing on or before October 15, 2026. They will also be able to redeem miles for Star Alliance award tickets and upgrades on Asiana Airlines for travel completed on or before December 16, 2026, subject to the rules and timelines of their respective frequent flyer programmes.

Star Alliance Gold and Silver status customers will continue to receive alliance status benefits, including priority services, when travelling on Asiana Airlines until December 16, 2026. Star Alliance Gold members will also retain lounge access, including at eligible Asiana Airlines lounges, when travelling within the Star Alliance network.

Although Asiana’s departure represents a significant change for the alliance in South Korea, Star Alliance says it will continue to maintain strong connectivity through Seoul. Following Asiana Airlines’ exit, 14 Star Alliance member airlines will continue to operate to and from Incheon International Airport: Air Canada, Air China, Air India, Air New Zealand, EVA Air, Ethiopian Airlines, Lufthansa, LOT Polish Airlines, SWISS, Singapore Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, Thai Airways, Turkish Airlines and United Airlines.

According to Star Alliance, these carriers currently operate more than 1,900 direct flights per month from Incheon International Airport to 29 destinations worldwide. From December 17, 2026, Star Alliance will comprise 25 member airlines.

Lufthansa Group has also prepared early for the transition, aiming to ensure continuity for customers. This includes the reprotection of existing tickets from September 2026 on Korean Air where applicable.

At the same time, Lufthansa Group is adjusting its market approach in Korea. Since the vast majority of its passengers travel to Seoul as their final destination, the group says its focus will be on maintaining a strong and attractive offer through a combination of air and ground connectivity. This includes continued lounge access at Incheon Airport, enhanced domestic connections within Korea, a deeper partnership with Jeju Air and the development of an intermodal partnership with South Korea’s national railway operator, Korail.