This article was posted on the ChosunBiz RM Report site on Sept. 3, 2025, at 2:40 p.m.
The Fair Trade Commission has confirmed that it conducted an on-site investigation of Asiana Airlines. Amid allegations that the airline did not properly adhere to the seat supply maintenance conditions imposed during the approval of its corporate merger with Korean Air, the commission is reportedly looking into whether the actions constitute 'failure to comply with corrective measures.'
According to industry sources, the Fair Trade Commission recently sent researchers to the headquarters of Asiana Airlines to conduct an on-site investigation. The core of this investigation is to determine whether Asiana has properly maintained the obligation to keep its seat supply more than 90% compared to 2019 as imposed by the merger conditions.
The Fair Trade Commission is verifying whether Asiana has reduced seat supply on certain international and domestic routes, and whether such reductions were unavoidable measures due to decreased demand or if they constituted a violation of the conditions.
Earlier, the Fair Trade Commission identified a violation of Asiana's fare increase limit in August and imposed an administrative fine of 12.1 billion won, as well as filed a complaint with the prosecution. During that time, it was revealed that Asiana raised average fares on some international and domestic routes by as much as 28% above the standard. This on-site investigation suggests that the pressure from the Fair Trade Commission has intensified as they move to inspect seat supply conditions following fare conditions.
The corrective measures imposed by the Fair Trade Commission on Asiana Airlines are twofold. One involves 'structural measures' to open slots and operating rights on 26 international routes and 8 domestic routes that pose significant competition concerns to a third airline, while the other is 'behavioral measures' that limit fare and service conditions until the structural measures are completed. Slots refer to the airport departure and arrival times assigned to aircraft by aviation authorities, while operating rights denote the rights to operate in specific countries.
Behavioral measures include ▲ prohibiting fare increases beyond the average fare limit ▲ prohibiting reductions of seat supply below 90% compared to 2019 ▲ prohibiting unfavorable changes to mileage programs ▲ maintaining service quality requirements, such as providing free baggage. Asiana's current on-site investigation revolves around compliance with the 'seat supply maintenance' condition.
Meanwhile, there has been a controversy regarding the reduction of seat spacing related to the introduction of premium economy seats being pursued by Korean Air. In response, Fair Trade Commission chairman nominee Joo Byeong-gi also noted in his written responses during a confirmation hearing that he would thoroughly examine not only the issue of seat reduction but also various issues raised regarding consumer welfare reduction, stating, 'If failure to comply with corrective measures is confirmed, strict measures will be necessary.'
The Fair Trade Commission plans to review whether to present the materials obtained during this investigation to a plenary meeting in the future. There are expectations that additional sanctions may follow if violations are confirmed. A Fair Trade Commission official stated, 'While I cannot confirm the specifics of the investigation or its progress, if any legal violations are confirmed, we plan to take strict measures.'