Asiana Airlines Leaving Star Alliance After 23 Years

‍SEOUL — Asiana Airlines (OZ) is set to exit the Star Alliance on December 16, 2026, 23:59 Korean Standard Time, as it merges into Korean Air (KE).

Two strong decades in Star Alliance 

Seoul-based Asiana joined the Star Alliance in 2003 and has played a vital role in ensuring seamless experiences for travelers across the network. 

Star Alliance, on behalf of all member airlines, thanked the airline and its employees for 23 years of contributing to the alliance’s globally recognized exceptional customer experience. 

Airlines’ departure from the alliance

Start Alliance and Asiana have been working closely to ensure a smooth, coordinated experience for all passengers since OZ departed the alliance.

Any Star Alliance airline’s frequent flyer program members may continue to earn miles on OZ-operated flights departing on or before October 15, 2026.

Star Alliance’s frequent flyers may also redeem miles for award flights and upgrades on Asiana Airlines for travel completed on or before December 16, 2026, subject to the redemption timelines and policies of each member airline's frequent flyer program. 

Until December 16, 2026, Star Alliance Gold and Silver status customers will retain their status benefits on Asiana flights, including priority services. Additionally, Gold customers may continue to enjoy lounge access at eligible OZ lounges while traveling across the Star Alliance network. 

Star Alliance is encouraging customers to contact their respective airline’s frequent flyer program to obtain more detailed information.

Star Alliance remains strong

Following Asiana’s departure from the alliance, 25 member airlines will continue to deliver effortless multi-airline journeys for passengers, 14 of them will continue to operate flights to and from Incheon International Airport (ICN), including: 

• 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 Airlines

As of today, these airlines operate over 1,900 flights per month from ICN to 29 destinations worldwide. However, the switch strengthens SkyTeam’s position in Asia following SAS’s move from Star Alliance. In other words, the alliance footprint in Asia is about to shift.