Korean Air
Airline Statistics
234
Active Routes3461
Flight Observations93
Unique Destinations96
Origin Airports2451
Avg Route Distance (mi)7690
Longest Route (mi)0
Domestic Routes100
International RoutesAbout Korean Air
Korean Air, with the ICAO code KAL, is the flag carrier of South Korea and its largest airline, tracing its origins to Korean National Airlines, founded in 1946. The South Korean government nationalized the airline in 1962, renaming it Korean Air Lines. In a pivotal move on March 1, 1969, the Hanjin Group acquired the state-owned airline, establishing the present-day Korean Air and embarking on an ambitious expansion plan.
The airline operates with a hub system centered around Incheon International Airport (ICN) in Seoul, which serves as its primary international hub, specifically Terminal 2. Additionally, Gimpo International Airport (GMP) in Seoul, Jeju International Airport (CJU) in Jeju, and Gimhae International Airport (PUS) in Busan serve as secondary hubs and focus cities. Its global headquarters is situated in Seoul, South Korea.
Korean Air commands a diverse and modern fleet of approximately 167-169 aircraft, comprising both passenger and cargo planes from leading manufacturers Boeing and Airbus. The passenger fleet includes various models such as the Boeing 737, 747, 777, and 787 Dreamliner, alongside Airbus A220-300, A321neo, A330, and A380. Its cargo operations are managed by a dedicated fleet of Boeing 747-400 and 777F aircraft. The airline's extensive route network spans approximately 10 domestic destinations and 108-126 international destinations across 40-44 countries on five continents, with a strong emphasis on Asia, alongside significant connections to North America and Europe. Korean Air is also a founding member of the SkyTeam airline alliance, established in 2000, and is part of SkyTeam Cargo. The airline offers three main cabin classes: First Class, which features Kosmo Suite products providing private experiences on most widebody aircraft; Prestige Class (Business), offering spacious lie-flat or reclining seats; and Economy Class, notable for its generous legroom. Passengers can also enjoy a variety of in-flight meals, including traditional Korean and international options, and extensive entertainment systems.
Traveler Reviews
Traveler reviews for Korean Air often highlight several positive aspects, particularly regarding service and comfort, though some areas draw criticism.
What Travelers Love:
- Exceptional Service: Many travelers praise the attentive, professional, and friendly cabin crew, noting their consistent efforts to ensure a pleasant flight experience.
- Spacious Economy Class: Korean Air is frequently lauded for offering some of the most generous legroom and widest seats in Economy Class, particularly on its wide-body aircraft, making long-haul journeys more comfortable.
- Quality In-Flight Meals: The airline's in-flight dining, including both Korean and international cuisine, often receives positive remarks for its taste, presentation, and generous portions, with the traditional Bibimbap being a particular favorite.
Common Complaints:
- Inconsistent Customer Service (Ground/Post-Flight): Some travelers report issues with customer service, especially concerning flight cancellations, changes, and post-flight assistance, citing unhelpful or unresponsive staff.
- Dated In-Flight Entertainment: While a good selection of movies and shows is generally available, some reviews mention that the entertainment systems on older aircraft can be outdated.
- Strict Baggage Policies: There have been complaints regarding strict baggage policies, including the combining of personal and carry-on item weight, which some travelers find unreasonable.
Overall Sentiment Summary:
Korean Air generally receives positive feedback for its on-board service, comfortable seating in economy, and quality meals, earning it high ratings for overall service and cabin comfort. However, some travelers express significant dissatisfaction with the airline's ground and post-flight customer service, especially during irregular operations. Despite these complaints, the overall perception is that Korean Air offers a high-quality flying experience, particularly in its cabin product.
Safety Information
Korean Air has a notable history regarding safety, having made significant strides to improve its record, especially after a challenging period in the late 1990s.
- Recent safety record and any notable incidents (or lack thereof): After being described as "an industry pariah" in the late 1990s due to a poor safety record with several fatal incidents between 1970 and 1999, Korean Air has significantly enhanced its safety standards. The airline had no fatal passenger accidents between its Flight 801 crash in 1997 and October 2022. In October 2022, Korean Air Flight 631, an Airbus A330-300, overran the runway at Mactan–Cebu International Airport in the Philippines during heavy rain. All 162 passengers and 11 crew members survived, though the aircraft sustained severe damage and was written off. In August 2024, a Korean Air Airbus A330-300 experienced severe turbulence over China, injuring 14 people.
- Regulatory certifications (IOSA, FAA compliance, EU safety list status): Korean Air has demonstrated compliance with international safety standards. The airline successfully passed an International Air Transport Association (IATA) audit in 2005. Furthermore, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) upgraded South Korea's aviation safety rating in 2001, indicating an improvement in the country's overall aviation safety oversight.
- Fleet age and maintenance reputation: Korean Air operates a modern fleet and has a strong commitment to fleet modernization. The airline consistently invests in next-generation aircraft, including the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and Airbus A350s, to enhance both passenger comfort and safety. Korean Air implements rigorous maintenance protocols and comprehensive crew training programs as part of its advanced safety measures, reflecting a dedication to maintaining high operational standards. In 2022, following recent incidents, Korean Air initiated a special safety audit of its Airbus A330 fleet.
- Overall safety assessment based on available data: Despite its past challenges, Korean Air has demonstrably improved its safety culture and record through concerted efforts and significant investments. The airline's proactive approach to safety, including external consultations from Boeing and Delta Air Lines, has led to a much-improved safety reputation since the early 2000s. In 2025, AirlineRatings.com recognized Korean Air for its commitment to safety.
- Any safety awards or recognitions: Korean Air has received significant recognition for its safety performance. It was named the "2025 Airline of the Year" by AirlineRatings.com, an award where safety is a key criterion, with only seven-star safety-rated airlines being eligible. Furthermore, AirlineRatings.com ranked Korean Air 8th in its "Top 25 Safest Airlines" globally in 2025.
Route Network Map
Most Popular Routes
Top Destinations
Top Origin Airports
Top Border Crossing Flights
Longest Routes
All Routes
234 Total Routes| Route | Destination | Flights | Distance | Aircraft | Last Seen |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CJU → GMP |
Gimpo Int'l
Seoul
|
230 | 280 mi | A21N | Feb 1, 2026 |
| GMP → CJU |
Jeju Int'l
Jeju
|
222 | 280 mi | BCS3 | Jan 30, 2026 |
| GUM → ICN |
Incheon Int'l
Seoul (Incheon)
|
97 | 2068 mi | B773 | Jan 18, 2026 |
| CJJ → CJU |
Jeju Int'l
Jeju
|
85 | 229 mi | BCS3 | Jan 30, 2026 |
| UBN → ICN |
Incheon Int'l
Seoul (Incheon)
|
82 | 1217 mi | A333 | Jan 31, 2026 |
| CJU → CJJ |
Cheongju
Cheongju
|
73 | 229 mi | BCS3 | Jan 30, 2026 |
| ICN → SIN |
Singapore Changi
Singapore
|
59 | 2878 mi | B77W | Jan 31, 2026 |
| SFO → ICN |
Incheon Int'l
Seoul (Incheon)
|
54 | 5933 mi | B748 | Jan 31, 2026 |
| ICN → YVR |
Vancouver Int'l
Vancouver
|
50 | 5101 mi | B789 | Jan 30, 2026 |
| GMP → PUS |
Gimhae Int'l
Busan
|
48 | 203 mi | BCS3 | Jan 26, 2026 |
| TAE → CJU |
Jeju Int'l
Jeju
|
48 | 206 mi | BCS3 | Jan 28, 2026 |
| CJU → PUS |
Gimhae Int'l
Busan
|
47 | 181 mi | B739 | Jan 28, 2026 |
| ICN → ANC |
Anchorage Intl
Anchorage
|
46 | 3853 mi | B748 | Jan 22, 2026 |
| KWJ → CJU |
Jeju Int'l
Jeju
|
43 | 113 mi | B739 | Jan 27, 2026 |
| ICN → KIX |
Kansai Int'l
Izumisano
|
41 | 536 mi | B38M | Jan 31, 2026 |
| PUS → CJU |
Jeju Int'l
Jeju
|
41 | 181 mi | B739 | Jan 23, 2026 |
| ICN → FUK |
Fukuoka
Fukuoka
|
41 | 350 mi | B773 | Feb 1, 2026 |
| MNL → ICN |
Incheon Int'l
Seoul (Incheon)
|
39 | 1622 mi | A21N | Dec 28, 2025 |
| CJU → KWJ |
Gwangju
Gwangju
|
36 | 113 mi | B739 | Jan 29, 2026 |
| ICN → LAX |
Los Angeles Intl
Los Angeles
|
35 | 6308 mi | B748 | Jan 20, 2026 |
| BKK → ICN |
Incheon Int'l
Seoul (Incheon)
|
35 | 2281 mi | B77W | Jan 31, 2026 |
| ICN → PUS |
Gimhae Int'l
Busan
|
35 | 211 mi | A333 | Jan 31, 2026 |
| HND → ICN |
Incheon Int'l
Seoul (Incheon)
|
35 | 753 mi | B789 | Dec 30, 2025 |
| TAE → ICN |
Incheon Int'l
Seoul (Incheon)
|
34 | 164 mi | B738 | Jan 29, 2026 |
| USN → GMP |
Gimpo Int'l
Seoul
|
34 | 197 mi | BCS3 | Jan 25, 2026 |
Airline statistics are based on flight route observations collected from FlightAware AeroAPI and other sources. Flight counts represent observed operations, not scheduled frequencies. Route data is continuously updated as new flight information becomes available.
Last Update: Feb 1, 2026 04:00
Coverage: Observed routes only