Star Alliance to open branded lounge at Incheon Airport Terminal 1

Star Alliance has announced plans to establish a new lounge at Incheon International Airport Terminal 1.

The airline alliance signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with airport operator Incheon International Airport Corporation (IIAC) to continue premium lounge access for eligible passengers traveling on alliance member airlines following Asiana Airlines’ exit from Star Alliance.

As a result of the Korean Air-Asiana merger, Asiana Airlines will officially exist from Star Alliance on December 16, 2026. Asiana shifted its operations at Incheon Airport from Terminal 1 to Terminal 2 where Korean Air operates its flights at the Seoul-area air hub. Eligible passengers traveling on Asiana Airlines flights departing at Terminal 2 can use Korean Air's lounges at the terminal. 

However, the Asiana Lounges at Terminal 1 have remained open and accessible for eligible passengers traveling on Star Alliance member airlines.

The decision to establish a dedicated Star Alliance lounge at Incheon Airport reflects the continued importance of the airport as a major international gateway. Incheon Airport recently became the top airport for international passenger traffic during 1H 2026.

“Incheon International Airport is an important gateway for Star Alliance, with several member airlines operating here,” Ambar Franco, Vice President Customer Experience, Star Alliance. “This partnership with IIAC reflects our shared commitment to delivering a consistently high-quality experience for customers. We are proud to establish a Star Alliance lounge at one of the world’s leading airports, and look forward to welcoming our member airline customers at the airport.”

Kim Chang-gyu, Chief Operation Officer, IIAC added: “This agreement is part of our efforts to provide stable and high-quality services to passengers using Incheon Airport amid major changes, including the integration of Asiana Airlines and Korean Air. We will continue to provide full support in terms of operations and facilities so that Star Alliance member airlines can expand various networks based at Terminal 1 of Incheon Airport and provide the best services to customers.”

The new lounge will be Star Alliance’s seventh globally, joining the airline alliance’s brand lounges at Paris’ Charles de Gaulle Airport, Los Angeles, and Guangzhou Baiyun.

14 Star Alliance member airlines operates flights from Incheon Airport to 29 destinations around the world.