Quick answer: Korean Air plans to launch its integrated airline on 17 December 2026, when Asiana Airlines stops operating as a separate carrier after 38 years. Asiana shareholders approved the merger on 12 August. Explera DMC Korea does not issue tickets, but we recheck flight details on every group travelling around that date.
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, with 99.3% of the votes cast in favour; 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.
What has already changed
- One terminal. Asiana moved its Incheon check-in and terminal operations from Terminal 1 to Terminal 2 on 14 January 2026, the terminal Korean Air uses.
- On the ground. Our meet-and-greet points and coach pick-ups at Incheon follow the terminal printed on each ticket.
What agents should recheck
- Flight details. For travel around or after 17 December, confirm the operating carrier and flight numbers with the airline or your consolidator.
- Joining instructions. Check the terminal and check-in times on 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.
Planned with the agent
Explera DMC Korea requests and coordinates group air with airlines and consolidators, and plans the ground programme around the final schedule. The airline or consolidator issues the tickets.
Send your dates, pax and group profile to b2b@explera.kr or WhatsApp +66 93 656 8090. Explera DMC Korea is IATA TIDS-registered (96215733) and an ASTA member (#900408341); our KTO and KATA registrations are in application.
Where this fits in our Korea programmes
The pages below carry the operational detail behind this briefing.
- Services: Rail & transfers in Korea · Transportation & coaches in Korea · Group travel & GIT in Korea
- Destinations: Incheon · Seoul · Busan
Frequently asked questions
When does Asiana become part of Korean Air?
The integrated carrier is planned for 17 December 2026, after the remaining legal 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. Always check the terminal printed on each ticket.
Will existing group bookings change?
Confirm with the airline or consolidator that issued them. Flight numbers and operating details may be updated around the integration date, and we update the ground programme when they do.
Does Explera DMC Korea issue air tickets?
No. Explera DMC Korea is IATA TIDS-registered and can request and coordinate group air, but the airline or your consolidator issues the tickets.
