Korean Air is set to introduce premium economy seating and enhance its airport lounges as part of a major upgrade plan rolling out in 2025 and 2026. The airline announced that these enhancements aim to meet growing market demand and improve the passenger experience on long-haul flights.
To accommodate the new premium economy class, Korean Air is retrofitting 11 Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, removing their first-class cabins to make space for the new seating. The first upgraded aircraft will enter service in the second half of 2025, offering three cabin classes: Prestige (business class), premium economy, and economy. The airline plans to complete these modifications by 2026.
Passengers flying through Incheon International Airport Terminal 2 will also see major improvements in lounge facilities. Korean Air is expanding its Prestige Class Garden lounges, adding two new locations in the east and west wings. The existing Prestige Class lounge in the east wing will double in size, while the Miler Club lounge will also be expanded. These new and renovated spaces are designed to handle increased passenger traffic following the airport’s expansion and Asiana Airlines’ relocation to Terminal 2.
The first of these lounges will open in August 2025, with additional upgrades continuing into 2026. The airline will also renovate its First Class lounge and Prestige Class lounge in the west wing, with reopenings scheduled for April 2026. Once complete, Korean Air will operate six lounges at Incheon Airport, increasing the total lounge space by 2.5 times and doubling seating capacity.
Beyond Korea, lounge upgrades are also planned for New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport and Los Angeles International Airport, although specific timelines have not yet been announced.
