Korean Air is set to expand its flights to Japan after completing its acquisition of Asiana Airlines, with the airline group announcing a major increase in routes, flight frequencies, and overall capacity between the two countries starting August 5, 2025. This move comes as Korean Air works through the final stages of integrating Asiana Airlines, aiming to finish the full brand and operational merger by January 1, 2027.
Korean Air’s leadership, including Executive Vice President Choi, confirmed that the airline currently operates 21 routes connecting 14 cities in Japan and South Korea. After the integration with Asiana Airlines, this will grow to 24 routes and 17 cities. When including the group’s low-cost carriers—Jin Air (Korean Air’s budget airline) and Air Seoul (Asiana’s budget airline)—the combined network will cover 33 routes and 23 cities, with about 110 daily roundtrip flights between Japan and South Korea.
This expansion is happening as travel demand between Japan and South Korea continues to rise. In 2025, the number of travelers between the two countries is expected to exceed 13 million, up from about 12 million in 2024. Of these, more than 3.5 million Japanese are expected to visit South Korea, while over 9.5 million South Koreans are forecast to travel to Japan. Korean Air already holds the largest share of the Japan-South Korea flight market and plans to strengthen its position further after the integration.
The integration process began when Korean Air acquired a 63.88% stake in Asiana Airlines in December 2024, making Asiana a subsidiary. The full merger, including the phasing out of the Asiana brand, was originally planned for 2026 but has been delayed to January 2027 due to regulatory and technical challenges. One major hurdle has been the South Korean Fair Trade Commission’s (FTC) rejection of Korean Air’s initial plan to merge frequent flyer programs. The FTC said the plan did not protect consumers well enough and ordered Korean Air to revise it. This delay affects the timeline for merging loyalty programs but does not stop the expansion of routes and schedules.
For travelers, this means that until the loyalty programs are merged, Asiana Club and Korean Air SKYPASS will remain separate. Passengers should continue to use their miles according to the current rules, especially if they want to use Star Alliance partner awards, since Asiana has left Star Alliance and the combined airline will only be part of SkyTeam. Korean Air’s official website provides updates on routes and schedules, and travelers are encouraged to check there for the latest information.
Korean Air’s expansion of Japan routes is designed to take advantage of improved diplomatic and tourism ties between the two countries, as well as strong demand for short flights. The integration will allow the airline to optimize overlapping routes, add new destinations, and increase flight frequencies, especially on popular city pairs. The group’s low-cost carriers—Jin Air, Air Busan, and Air Seoul—will be merged under the Jin Air brand, making it easier for travelers to find affordable flights between Japan and South Korea.
No job cuts are planned as part of the integration. Instead, staff in overlapping roles will be reassigned, and the company expects to grow naturally as business expands. Korean Air Chairman and CEO Walter Cho, along with President Woo Kee-hong, are leading the integration strategy, with a focus on becoming a leading global airline. The company’s goal is to use its expanded Japan network as a key part of its growth.
Aviation experts note that the enlarged Korean Air group will become the 13th largest international airline in the world and the largest in the Asia-Pacific region by seat capacity. This growth is expected to increase competition with Japanese airlines and other regional budget carriers, while also boosting tourism and economic ties between Japan and South Korea. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, this move will likely benefit both countries by making travel easier and more affordable for millions of people.
The South Korean Fair Trade Commission remains a key player in the integration process, especially regarding consumer protection. The FTC’s decision to reject the initial frequent flyer program merger shows its commitment to making sure travelers are treated fairly. Korean Air has been told to revise its plan to better protect customers, and the airline is working to address these concerns.
For passengers, the changes mean more choices and better connectivity between Japan and South Korea. The increase in routes and daily flights will make it easier for people to visit family, do business, or travel for leisure. The merger of low-cost carriers under the Jin Air brand will also give travelers more affordable options.
The integration process is ongoing and expected to take up to two years, with major IT and operational changes still ahead. The full merger, including the unification of loyalty programs and brands, is now targeted for January 2027, pending regulatory approval and successful resolution of consumer protection issues.
Korean Air’s official website is the best place for travelers to find the latest information on routes, schedules, and booking options. For updates on regulatory matters, the South Korean Fair Trade Commission’s website provides authoritative information. Travelers should also keep an eye on official announcements for any changes to loyalty programs or alliance memberships.
The expansion of Korean Air’s Japan network is a response to strong demand for travel between the two countries and is expected to have a positive impact on tourism and business. The airline’s leadership has stated that the integration will not only strengthen its position in the market but also improve service for travelers.
In summary, Korean Air’s acquisition and integration of Asiana Airlines mark a major step forward for air travel between Japan and South Korea. The increase in routes, flight frequencies, and affordable options will make it easier for millions of people to travel between the two countries. While some challenges remain, especially around loyalty program integration and regulatory approval, the outlook is positive for travelers, airline employees, and the broader tourism industry.
For more details on flight schedules, booking, and the latest updates, visit the Korean Air official website. For regulatory news and consumer protection updates, check the South Korea Fair Trade Commission. As the integration continues, travelers can expect more choices, better service, and stronger connections between Japan and South Korea.
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