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Korean Air full year net profit fell by a fifth in 2025
January 19th 2026
Korean Air (KAL) has reported net profit of 965 billion won (US$672.5 million) for the 12 months to December 31 2025, down 21% from net profit of 1.2 trillion won in 2024. Read More » Revenue rose 2% to 16.5 trillion won, KAL said in a regulatory filing. Despite the decline in full year profit, the airline group said net profit for the final three months of 2025 was up 13% at 284 billion won, with revenue also 13% higher at 4.6 trillion won. However, operating profit fell 5% in the three months to December 31 to 413.1 billion won due to higher operating costs. "While demand on North American routes remained similar due to tighter entry regulations and intensifying competition on West Coast routes, the overall network achieved improved revenue and profitability," KAL said of its fourth quarter trading. "This growth was driven by a surge in short-haul demand, particularly for Japan and China, during the Chuseok holiday in October." Looking ahead, the Skyteam alliance member said it was focused on maximising passenger revenue by boosting sales in overseas markets during the first quarter of this year to offset the weak won and softening outbound demand from Korea. "In 2026, Korean Air anticipates a more competitive landscape driven by the recovery of global passenger capacity, alongside increased volatility in global policies," KAL said. "The airline is committed to responding agilely to these external variables, while ensuring the highest level of service as it prepares for the launch of the integrated airline."
