Korean Air and Asiana Airlines are currently expected to complete their full merger on December 17, 2026 , when they launch as an integrated airline under the Korean Air brand.

What that means

  • The acquisition itself was completed earlier, but the full operational merger is scheduled for late 2026.
  • After that date, Asiana’s brand is expected to be phased out and folded into Korean Air.
  • This timeline matches multiple recent reports from May 2026.

Current status

  • The boards approved the definitive merger agreement in May 2026.
  • Korean Air also said it would seek final approval from South Korea’s transport ministry immediately after signing the agreement.
  • Recent reporting frames December 17, 2026 as the key completion date rather than a later open-ended target.

Item| Status
---|---
Acquisition| Completed earlier 610
Final merger / integration| Expected December 17, 2026 156
Brand transition| Asiana to be absorbed into Korean Air 5

TL;DR: the merger is expected to be completed on December 17, 2026.