Incheon Airport, Terminal 1. Photo: 4kclips / Shutterstock.com Star Alliance is set to open a dedicated lounge at Incheon International Airport in Seoul, ensuring eligible passengers continue to have access to premium lounge services after Asiana Airlines leaves the alliance later this year.
Asiana Airlines. business lounge. Photo: Trong Nguyen / Shutterstock.comIncheon International Airport Corporation and Star Alliance have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to establish the new lounge in Terminal 1. The facility is expected to begin operations in the fourth quarter of 2026, coinciding with Asiana Airlines’ departure from Star Alliance on December 16 as part of its integration with Korean Air.
The existing Asiana Airlines Business Lounge West in Terminal 1 will be transformed into a Star Alliance lounge. The move will allow eligible passengers traveling with Star Alliance member airlines to maintain access to premium facilities at Incheon Airport after Asiana’s departure.
The change is particularly important for passengers who currently use Asiana Airlines lounges when flying with Star Alliance carriers from Incheon.
Air India is among the Star Alliance members serving Incheon, operating two nonstop flights from Delhi with Boeing 787 widebody aircraft.
The new lounge will support passengers traveling with 14 Star Alliance member airlines operating at Incheon, connecting travelers to 29 destinations worldwide. Star Alliance said the dedicated facility reflects the airport’s growing importance as a major international gateway and the alliance’s focus on maintaining a consistent premium experience for its customers.
Star Alliance and Incheon Airport sign MOU. Photo: Air IndiaIncheon ranked as the world’s number one airport for international passenger traffic during the first half of 2026, further highlighting its importance to the international aviation network.
The new facility will become the seventh Star Alliance branded lounge worldwide. The alliance already operates dedicated lounges at airports including Paris Charles de Gaulle, Los Angeles International Airport and Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport.
Beyond its own branded lounges, eligible Star Alliance passengers can access more than 1,000 airport lounges around the world through the alliance’s wider network.
Ambar Franco, Vice President Customer Experience at Star Alliance, said the agreement with Incheon Airport reflects a shared commitment to providing passengers with a high-quality experience. She described Incheon as an important gateway for the alliance, with several member airlines operating from the airport.
Incheon International Airport Corporation said the agreement is part of efforts to maintain stable and high-quality passenger services during major changes involving Asiana Airlines and Korean Air. The airport also plans to support Star Alliance airlines with operations and facilities at Terminal 1.