Korean Air has announced a major revamp of its airport lounges and the introduction of a Premium Economy cabin, as the carrier gears up for its highly anticipated integration with Asiana Airlines.
The airline will significantly expand and upgrade its lounge offering at Incheon International Airport’s Terminal 2, coinciding with the airport’s Phase 4 expansion and Asiana’s planned relocation to the terminal. As part of the enhancements, two brand-new Prestige Class Garden Lounges will be constructed in the east and west wings. The current Prestige Class Lounge in the east wing will be doubled in size, while the Miler Club Lounge will also see an expansion. These upgraded facilities will open progressively from August 2025.
Further improvements are scheduled for the First Class and Prestige Class lounges in the west wing, which will close for renovation and reopen in April 2026. Upon completion of all works, Korean Air will operate six lounges at Incheon, expanding total lounge space by 2.5 times and doubling seating capacity to accommodate increasing passenger numbers.
The new-look First Class Lounge is being positioned as a flagship experience, designed to rival luxury hotel lounges with a sophisticated and elegant ambiance. Culinary offerings will be elevated across the board, with live cooking stations serving a wide array of fresh dishes, as well as bartenders and baristas on-site to craft beverages, cocktails and fine wines. Travellers can also expect freshly baked goods from dedicated patisseries, along with a signature noodle bar.
Beyond South Korea, Korean Air will also refurbish its international lounges, starting with complete redesigns at its key North American hubs in Los Angeles (LAX) and New York’s JFK Airport. These spaces will take on themes inspired by their respective cities to offer a sense of place and style.
In addition, a new feature in Korean Air’s mobile app will allow travellers to check lounge availability in real time, view facilities, make reservations, and monitor crowd levels—streamlining the pre-flight experience for premium customers.
On the in-flight side, the airline has confirmed the launch of a Premium Economy class, responding to increasing passenger demand for a mid-tier cabin product. Korean Air will retrofit 11 of its Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, removing the existing First Class cabin in favour of a new three-class layout: Prestige (Business), Premium Economy, and Economy. The first aircraft featuring the new configuration is expected to enter service in the second half of 2025, with the retrofit programme continuing into 2026. The move is part of a broader fleet strategy aimed at enhancing passenger comfort and choice across long-haul routes.