Asiana Airlines to leave Star Alliance on December 16, 2026
Seoul-based Asiana Airlines will officially end its Star Alliance membership at 23:59 Korea Standard Time on December 16, 2026, the alliance announced in a press release. After the carrier's departure, the alliance will continue to be represented at Seoul's Incheon Airport by 14 member airlines.
.jpg){kind=link}
Star Alliance's statement notes that Asiana Airlines had been a member since 2003 and throughout that time contributed to building a seamless customer experience across the alliance's network. On behalf of all member airlines, Star Alliance thanked Asiana Airlines and its employees for their contribution to the alliance's reputation.
According to the announcement, Star Alliance and Asiana Airlines will work closely together until the departure date to ensure a smooth and coordinated transition for customers.
- Alliance departure
- Dec 16, 2026, 23:59 KST
- Mileage accrual until
- departures until Oct 15, 2026
- Miles/upgrade redemption until
- travel until Dec 16, 2026
- Airlines after departure
- 25 (currently 26)
Terms for customers
- Members of Star Alliance airlines' loyalty programs can continue earning miles on flights operated by Asiana Airlines, provided the flight departs no later than October 15, 2026.
- Star Alliance miles for award tickets and upgrades on Asiana Airlines can be redeemed for travel completed no later than December 16, 2026, subject to the rules and deadlines of the respective loyalty program.
- Customers holding Star Alliance Gold or Silver status will retain their status benefits, including priority services, when travelling with Asiana Airlines until December 16, 2026.
- Star Alliance Gold status holders will continue to have access to selected Asiana Airlines lounges when travelling within the Star Alliance network.
- Star Alliance advises customers to contact their loyalty program directly for further details.
After Asiana Airlines' departure, Incheon International Airport will, according to Star Alliance, continue to be served by 14 member carriers: 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. According to the alliance, these carriers currently operate more than 1,900 direct flights a month from Incheon to 29 destinations worldwide.
From December 17, 2026, Star Alliance will have 25 member airlines and, according to the alliance, will continue striving for seamless multi-leg travel around the world.
Lufthansa Group stated in its newsroom that it is preparing for this transition well in advance, including by rebooking existing tickets onto Korean Air from September 2026.
Lufthansa Group is also adjusting its business strategy in Korea. Since the vast majority of its passengers are travelling to Seoul as their final destination, the group wants to maintain a strong offering of air and ground transport combinations - including continued access to the Incheon Airport lounge and better connections to domestic routes within Korea. According to Lufthansa Group, this has led to a deepened partnership with Jeju Air and the development of intermodal cooperation with the state railway company Korail.
Star Alliance's profile recalls that it was founded in 1997 as the first truly global airline alliance, built on the promise of worldwide reach, recognition and seamless service. Until Asiana Airlines' departure, the alliance comprises 26 airlines: Aegean Airlines, Air Canada, Air China, Air India, Air New Zealand, ANA, Asiana Airlines, Austrian Airlines, avianca, Brussels Airlines, Copa Airlines, Croatia Airlines, EGYPTAIR, Ethiopian Airlines, EVA Air, ITA Airways, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, Shenzhen Airlines, Singapore Airlines, South African Airways, SWISS, TAP Air Portugal, THAI, Turkish Airlines and United. The alliance offers access to more than 1,150 airports in 190 countries, which according to its figures covers 90% of the world, with further connecting flights provided by partner Juneyao Airlines.