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Korean Air receives transport ministry’s green light to merge with Asiana Airlines
July 2nd 2026
South Korea’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport gave Korean Air (KAL) approval to merge with Asiana Airlines. Read More » The decision announced on June 25, 2026, was taken after a comprehensive review under the Aviation Business Act. This involved consultations with an expert advisory group and independent assessments by research institutes and accounting firms before granting approval on condition that KAL strengthen operational safety and consumer convenience. “As the merger involves South Korea’s two largest full-service airlines, with significant implications for the country’s aviation market, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport will exercise strict oversight to ensure that aviation safety and consumer convenience are not compromised,” Lee So-young, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Aviation Policy Director, said. “Beyond government regulation and oversight, we expect you, as the number one flag carrier representing the Republic of Korea, to fulfill your social responsibility commensurate with your stature,” Lee added. Earlier, the merger had received approvals from the Fair Trade Commission and 13 foreign competition authorities.
