What happened
Asiana shareholders approved a merger with Korean Air on August 12, 2026, with 99.3% of shares, or 167,436,677 shares, voting in favor. Turnout at the extraordinary general meeting was 81.86%. Korean Air's board ratified the deal the same day under Korea's small-scale merger rules, confirming an agreement the two boards signed in May 2026.
The combined airline is set to launch on December 17, 2026, the day after Asiana leaves Star Alliance. Corporate merger registration is planned for that date after creditor protection and remaining formalities. The Asiana brand will disappear after the merger.
Frequent flyer program integration remains unresolved even as the launch date is locked. Korean Air is pushing post-merger work on its air operator certificate and international permits. Less competition is expected to mean higher fares to and from South Korea. Do not assume Asiana miles or status will convert cleanly; watch for official integration rules before Asiana exits Star Alliance on December 16, 2026.
- Announced
- Aug 12, 2026
- Starts
- Dec 17, 2026
- Numbers
- 81.86%: Asiana shareholder attendance at the extraordinary general meeting
- 99.3%: Asiana shares voting in favor of the merger
- 167,436,677 shares: Asiana shares voting in favor of the merger
- Where
- South Korea
- Takeaway
- Do not assume Asiana miles or status will convert cleanly; watch for official integration rules before Asiana exits Star Alliance on December 16, 2026.