dailynewsnblog
Star Alliance has announced that Korean member carrier Asiana Airlines will leave the group in mid-December of 2026. Asiana Airlines was not a founder member of Star Alliance, but it was one of the earliest non-founders to join the group, having done so back in March of 2003. As such, its exit from 
Star Alliance at the end of 2026 will mark the end of a spell of membership lasting more than 23 years.
Most major changes in the wonderful world of the aviation industry in the second half of the calendar year tend to happen at the end of October, as this is when the seasons switch from the IATA Summer Schedule to the IATA Winter Schedule. However, while Asiana’s exit does not align with this date, it is far from random. Instead, it coincides with its forthcoming merger with fellow Asian giant Korean Air.
Time To Go
Star Alliance confirmed in a statement released earlier today that Asiana Airlines would formally leave the group on December 16, 2026. It will do so at 11:59 PM Korea Standard Time, allowing it to then immediately have a fresh start on December 17, which is set to be a very significant date for the airline in its own right. Asiana was the fifth non-founder to join Star Alliance, doing so on March 28, 2003.
The carrier was one of two new airlines to join the group that year, with LOT Polish Airlines following suit seven months later to bring the membership up to ten operators. Star Alliance said in its statement that “since joining Star Alliance in 2003, Asiana Airlines has played a valued role in delivering seamless customer experiences across the network.” It went on to show its gratitude for the carrier’s service:
“On behalf of all member airlines, Star Alliance thanks Asiana Airlines and its employees for contributing to the exceptional customer experience that the alliance is known for worldwide.”
Ready For The Merger
Asiana Airlines and Star Alliance have drawn up a phased exit plan in order to handle their relationship as far as frequent flyer programs are concerned. Indeed, the group confirmed in its statement earlier today that “customers enrolled in any Star Alliance member airline’s frequent flyer program may continue to earn miles on Asiana Airlines-operated flights departing on or before October 15, 2026.”
Meanwhile, when it comes to redeeming miles for Star Alliance award tickets and upgrades on Asiana Airlines flights, loyalty members will be able to do this right up until the carrier’s exit from the group on December 16. Likewise, status benefits for high-ranking frequent flyers at Star Alliance member airlines will also be able to continue to use these (such as lounge access) on Asiana Airlines until December 16.
When the clock ticks over from December 16 to 17, Asiana Airlines will then officially merge with South Korean flag carrier and SkyTeam founding member Korean Air. This merger has been a hot topic in the commercial aviation sector for many years, having been initiated in 2020 and the actual merger process having begun in 2024. This will create a single dominant carrier for the South Korean aviation sector.
$8.7 Million: These 2 Airlines Fined Over Violation Of Merger Conditions As Flight Prices Skyrocket
The fine marks the largest penalty imposed in South Korea for a merger violation since 1991.
14 Star Alliance Airlines Will Still Serve Seoul
Asiana Airlines’ upcoming departure from Star Alliance will see the group consist of 25 member airlines from December 17 onwards. Despite the South Korean airline’s withdrawal, the alliance will retain strong links to Seoul Incheon International Airport (ICN), with 14 of the remaining 25 members serving the facility. Collectively, these carriers serve 29 destinations from Seoul, with over 1,900 monthly flights.
From the Americas, Air Canada and United Airlines will serve Seoul from Montreal and Newark. European coverage comes from Lufthansa (Frankfurt and Munich), LOT (Warsaw and Wroclaw), SWISS (Zurich), and Turkish Airlines (Istanbul). Other Star Alliance members serving Seoul include Air China, Air India, Air New Zealand, EVA Air, Ethiopian Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, and Thai Airways.
