FRANKFURT/SEOUL – Asiana Airlines will leave Star Alliance on Dec. 16, the day before it merges with Korean Air, the group confirmed Friday.

The alliance, made up of 26 international carriers, said in a statement that it will work closely with Asiana “to ensure a seamless and coordinated experience for customers in the lead-up to the airline’s departure.”

It added that member airlines will continue to operate to and from Seoul’s  Incheon International Airport after Asiana’s exit.

The airline joined the group in 2013.

Korean Air, South Korea’s flag carrier, formally acquired the country’s second-largest airline in 2024, four years after the move was first announced.

South Korean media reports said Friday that the government “conditionally approved” the Asiana-Korean Air merger Thursday.

One of the world’s major airlines, Korean Air serves 116 cities in 40 countries.

It has a fleet of more than 160 aircraft. The airline is owned by the Hanjin Group.

Images are courtesy of Asiana Airlines, Star Alliance and Korean Air.