Korean Air posts record Q3 revenue

Korean Air reported record quarterly revenue of KRW 5.0448 trillion in the third quarter of 2026, marking a year-on-year increase of KRW 1.0363 trillion despite persistently high fuel prices. Operating profit rose by KRW 44.9 billion from the same period last year to KRW 421.2 billion. Net income also increased significantly year on year, supported partly by favourable foreign exchange translation effects as the USD/KRW exchange rate declined towards the end of the quarter.

The cargo revenue rose by KRW 365.6 billion year on year to KRW 1.4323 trillion in the third quarter of 2026, supported by steady demand for high-value artificial intelligence (AI) and semiconductor components. The airline said it maintained profitability by adjusting cargo capacity in response to regional market demand.

For the fourth quarter, Korean Air expects fuel cost pressures to continue amid the prolonged conflict in the Middle East. Its cargo business plans to deploy capacity flexibly to capture the traditional year-end peak season and sustained demand from the AI and semiconductor sectors. The passenger business will focus on inbound and transit traffic to improve profitability.

Ahead of its planned integration on December 17, Korean Air is also aligning service protocols to maintain operational standards across its expanding global network.

Korean Air is pursuing a merger with Asiana Airlines as the final step in integrating the two carriers, following its acquisition of Asiana shares on December 12, 2024. The carrier aims to boost transit traffic at Incheon International Airport and strengthen its role as a major aviation hub in Northeast Asia.

As the final stage of integration, the merger with Asiana Airlines remains subject to approval from the relevant authorities and completion of domestic regulatory procedures in South Korea, including licensing and reporting requirements under the Aviation Business Act and the Aviation Safety Act.