Star Alliance, Incheon Airport Partner on Lounge Operations
Star Alliance and Incheon International Airport Corporation (IIAC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to establish a new Star Alliance lounge at Terminal 1 of Incheon International Airport. The move ensures that eligible passengers traveling with Star Alliance member airlines will continue to have access to premium lounge services after Asiana Airlines departs from the Alliance in December 2026. The agreement also outlines that the physical footprint of the former Asiana Business Lounge West will be retained, allowing the facility to leverage its existing layout, seating capacity, and service counters while rebranding under the Star Alliance banner. By keeping the same location, travelers familiar with the lounge’s entrance and signage will experience a seamless handover without needing to handle to a different terminal area.
Seamless Transition for Passengers
Under the agreement, the existing Asiana Airlines Business Lounge (West) in Terminal 1 will be converted into a Star Alliance lounge. Operations are expected to begin in the fourth quarter of 2026, coinciding with Asiana Airlines’ exit from the Alliance as part of its integration with Korean Air. This transition will allow eligible passengers of 14 Star Alliance member airlines operating at Incheon Airport to enjoy uninterrupted premium lounge access, connecting them to 29 destinations worldwide. The conversion will involve updating the lounge’s branding elements, such as signage, digital displays, and staff uniforms, to reflect Star Alliance identity, while preserving the premium amenities that passengers have come to expect.
The new lounge will be the seventh Star Alliance lounge globally, joining existing locations at major airports such as Paris Charles de Gaulle, Los Angeles International, and Guangzhou Baiyun. Additionally, eligible Star Alliance customers have access to over 1,000 airport lounges worldwide, further enhancing their travel experience.
Commitment to Passenger Experience
Ambar Franco, Vice President of Customer Experience at Star Alliance, emphasized the importance of Incheon Airport as a key gateway for the Alliance. “This partnership with IIAC reflects our shared commitment to delivering a consistently high-quality experience for customers,” Franco said. For travelers, this means maintaining access to premium amenities despite significant changes in airline alliances.
Kim Chang-gyu, Chief Operation Officer at IIAC, highlighted the airport’s efforts to provide stable and high-quality services amid industry shifts. “We will continue to support Star Alliance member airlines in expanding their networks and delivering the best services to customers,” Kim stated. This agreement is part of Incheon Airport’s broader strategy to adapt to major changes, including the integration of Asiana Airlines and Korean Air.
The MOU ensures that Star Alliance passengers at Incheon Airport will face minimal disruption, with the new lounge serving as a cornerstone of the Alliance’s commitment to seamless travel. As the aviation industry evolves, such partnerships show the importance of maintaining consistent service standards for global travelers.
