Asiana Airlines to Exit Star Alliance in December
Seoul-based Asiana Airlines will formally cease to be a member of Star Alliance on December 16, 2026. This move will mark the conclusion of a journey that began in 2003, a period during which the carrier played a valuable role in delivering integrated experiences across the global network.
In a statement issued on behalf of all member carriers, Star Alliance expressed its gratitude to Asiana Airlines and its employees for their contribution to the exceptional customer experience that characterizes the alliance worldwide. Ahead of the final departure, both parties confirmed they will work in close coordination to ensure a smooth and seamless transition for all passengers.
Impact and Deadlines for Frequent Flyers
To mitigate the impact on travelers and ensure the continuity of loyalty services, strict deadlines have been established for the accrual and redemption of benefits within frequent flyer programs:
Mileage Accrual and Redemption
- Mileage Accrual: Passengers enrolled in the frequent flyer programs of any alliance member airline can continue to earn miles on flights operated by Asiana Airlines, provided the departure occurs on or before October 15, 2026.
- Award Ticket Redemption and Upgrades: Mileage redemption for Star Alliance award tickets and cabin upgrades on Asiana Airlines flights will be available for travel completed on or before December 16, 2026. These transactions remain subject to the redemption policies and deadlines of each specific program. For this reason, customers are advised to check directly with their respective loyalty programs for further details.
Status Benefits and Lounge Access
- Gold and Silver Status: Customers holding Star Alliance Gold or Star Alliance Silver status will continue to enjoy alliance benefits, including priority services, when traveling with Asiana Airlines until December 16, 2026.
- Lounge Access: Passengers with Star Alliance Gold status will maintain access to network lounges, which includes eligible Asiana Airlines lounges when traveling across the Star Alliance network until the departure date.
Star Alliance Presence at Incheon Airport
Despite the departure of the South Korean carrier, the alliance’s global connectivity in the region remains guaranteed. A total of 14 member airlines will continue to operate scheduled flights to and from Incheon International Airport, ensuring seamless connectivity in Seoul.
The partner airlines maintaining operations at this terminal are:
- 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
- United
Currently, this group of airlines operates a robust schedule exceeding 1,900 monthly direct flights from Incheon International Airport, providing non-stop connections to 29 international destinations worldwide.
Global Alliance’s New Landscape
Effective December 17, 2026, Star Alliance will officially comprise 25 member airlines. Under this new structure, the organization reaffirmed that it will maintain its strategic focus on ensuring that multi-carrier global travel remains a simple, efficient, and effortless experience for passengers worldwide.
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