Korean Air and Asiana Airlines have secured formal board and shareholder approvals on August 12, 2026, for their planned merger. Korean Air's board of directors ratified the merger agreement under South Korea's Commercial Act, while Asiana Airlines obtained shareholder approval during an extraordinary general meeting with 99.3% of votes cast in favor.
Following these internal ratifications, both carriers are moving into creditor protection procedures and remaining administrative steps. The final corporate merger registration is scheduled to be completed on December 17, 2026, coinciding with the expected launch date of the combined airline.
Korean Air previously received conditional merger approval from South Korea's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport on June 25, 2026, and clearance of its merger registration statement on July 24, 2026. The airlines are now working through Air Operator Certificate amendments and international operational permits with relevant authorities.
