Korean Air–Asiana Integration: Group Air Checks

The short answer

Korean Air plans to launch its integrated airline on 17 December 2026, when Asiana Airlines stops flying as a separate carrier. For agents across Asia with Korea groups travelling around that date, Explera DMC rechecks the operating carrier, flight numbers and Incheon terminal on every booking and plans the ground programme around the final schedule.

Asiana Airlines is due to become part of Korean Air on 17 December 2026. Our Korea team sets out the decisions and dates in its briefing on the Korean Air and Asiana integration. This note is for agencies and tour operators across Asia that fly groups into Korea over the winter.

What Has Been Decided?

The agreement. The two airlines signed the merger agreement on 14 May 2026.
The approvals. Asiana shareholders approved it on 12 August 2026, with 99.3% of the votes cast in favour, and Korean Air's board approved it the same day.
The date. The integrated carrier is planned for 17 December 2026, once the remaining procedures are complete.
Still open. The plan for combining the two mileage programmes was still under discussion with the Fair Trade Commission.

An airline check-in agent holding a passenger's passport and documents at the counter.

Why Does It Matter for Groups From Asia?

One terminal at Incheon. Asiana moved its Incheon check-in and terminal operations from Terminal 1 to Terminal 2 on 14 January 2026. Korean Air also uses Terminal 2.
Winter departures. Groups travelling in December and January cross the integration date, so their flight details may be updated after booking.
Tickets issued earlier. The airline or consolidator that issued a booking is the one that confirms any change to it.

What Should Agents Recheck?

Operating carrier and flight numbers. For travel around or after 17 December, confirm them with the airline or your consolidator.
Terminal and check-in times. Put the terminal and check-in time printed on the ticket into every client document.
Alliances and miles. Korean Air is a SkyTeam member. Ask the airline how Asiana bookings and miles are treated on your dates rather than assume.
Name lists. Keep group name lists current, so a schedule change reaches every passenger.

Rows of empty waiting seats and potted orchids by the glass wall of a departure lounge at Incheon International Airport.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does Asiana become part of Korean Air?

The integrated carrier is planned for 17 December 2026, after the remaining procedures. Asiana shareholders approved the merger on 12 August 2026.

Which Incheon terminal do Asiana flights use?

Terminal 2, since 14 January 2026. Korean Air also uses Terminal 2. Check the terminal printed on each ticket.

Should agents rebook groups already ticketed for December?

Not by default. Ask the airline or consolidator that issued the tickets whether flight numbers or times change, and update client documents when they do.

Does Explera DMC issue air tickets?

No. Explera DMC can request and coordinate group air with airlines and consolidators, but the airline or your consolidator issues the tickets.

Sources: Korea JoongAng Daily, 12 August 2026; Korea JoongAng Daily, 14 January 2026.

Where Explera Fits

Our Korea team requests and coordinates group air, then plans transfers, hotels and guides around the final schedule.

Write to b2b@explera.kr or message +66 93 656 8090 on WhatsApp. Explera DMC is IATA TIDS-registered (96215733) and an ASTA member (900408341); our KTO and KATA registrations are in application.