South Korea Asiana Airlines Closes Incheon Terminal 1 Lounge East as Passengers Shift to Central and West Facilities

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Image credit – Asiana Airlines

Asiana Airlines Incheon Airport lounge closure will be applicable to travelers whose travel will involve the use of the largest international airport in South Korea commencing October 1, 2026, due to the closure of the Asiana Business Lounge East that is located at the Incheon Airport Terminal 1.

This lounge, which is near Gate 11 on the fourth floor of the airside building, will no longer be operational, and travelers will be redirected to other Central and West Business Lounges.

This closure will be applicable to travelers whose travels involve the use of Business Class, Star Alliance Gold members, Priority Pass holders, and selected airlines’ travelers.

Travelers using the Incheon International Airport Terminal 1 will have to familiarize themselves with the new lounge location, operating hours, and access details.

What Has Changed at Asiana Airlines Incheon Airport Lounges?

Asiana Airlines has confirmed that the Asiana Business Lounge East at Incheon Airport Terminal 1 will permanently close from Thursday, October 1, 2026.

The airline has advised eligible passengers that lounge services will continue through two other Business Lounge facilities located within the same terminal.

Details of the Lounge Closure

The closure does not remove Asiana lounge access completely from Terminal 1. Instead, eligible travellers will need to use the remaining two Business Lounge locations.

Why This Matters for Travellers

Airport lounge changes can affect how passengers plan their time before departure, especially for international travellers who rely on lounge facilities for rest, dining, work and relaxation.

The closure means some passengers may need additional walking time inside Terminal 1 to reach the alternative lounges, depending on their departure gate.

Key Travel Impacts After the Lounge Closure

Travellers with tight connections should consider the location of their assigned departure gate before choosing which lounge to visit.

Which Asiana Business Lounges Will Remain Open at Incheon Airport?

After the East Lounge closes, Asiana Airlines will continue operating two Business Lounges at Terminal 1.

Both lounges are located after immigration in the airside area, allowing eligible passengers to access them before international departures.

Remaining Asiana Business Lounge Locations and Hours

The West Lounge offers longer operating hours, making it an important alternative for passengers travelling on late-night departures.

Who Can Access Asiana Business Lounges After the Closure?

The remaining lounges will continue serving eligible passengers based on airline status, travel class and membership benefits.

Access rules remain dependent on passenger eligibility and, in some cases, individual airline or membership provider conditions.

Passenger Groups Eligible for Lounge Access

Passengers using membership-based access should confirm terms directly with their card issuer before travelling.

Which Partner Airlines Passengers May Use the Lounges?

Asiana Airlines has also listed several other eligible airlines whose passengers may access the lounges at Incheon International Airport.

However, access requirements vary depending on the operating carrier.

Other Eligible Airlines Listed by Asiana

Passengers travelling on these airlines should confirm lounge access rules with their operating carrier before arriving at the airport.

What Travellers Should Know Before Flying From Incheon

Passengers departing from Incheon Terminal 1 should prepare for the lounge change by checking their departure gate, access eligibility and alternative lounge locations.

The closure mainly affects lounge planning and does not change flight operations or airport departure procedures.

Before Visiting an Asiana Lounge

• Check lounge location: The East Lounge will no longer be available from October 1, 2026.
• Allow extra walking time: Alternative lounges may be farther from some departure gates.
• Confirm eligibility: Access depends on ticket class, membership status or airline rules.
• Review operating hours: Central and West Lounges have different closing times.
• Check partner airline conditions: Requirements may vary by carrier.

Planning ahead can help passengers avoid delays before boarding.

Why This Matters for Incheon Airport Travel Experience

Incheon International Airport is one of Asia’s major international aviation hubs, serving millions of passengers travelling between South Korea and global destinations.

Airport lounges are an important part of premium travel experiences, particularly for long-haul passengers, frequent flyers and connecting travellers.

Wider Impact on Airport Services

• Premium passengers will need to adjust lounge planning.
• Alternative lounges may experience increased usage.
• Travellers may need more time to reach facilities.
• Lounge management can focus resources on remaining locations.
• Passenger experience will depend on capacity management.

The change highlights how airlines regularly adjust airport facilities to improve operational efficiency and match passenger demand.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will Asiana Business Lounge East close?

The Asiana Business Lounge East at Incheon Airport Terminal 1 will close on October 1, 2026.

Where is the closed lounge located?

The lounge is located on the fourth floor near Gate 11 in the airside area of Terminal 1 after immigration.

Which Asiana lounges will remain available?

Passengers can continue using the Central Lounge near Gate 26 and the West Lounge near Gate 42.

Can Star Alliance Gold members still access Asiana lounges?

Yes. Star Alliance Gold members and one companion remain eligible, subject to applicable access rules.

Can Priority Pass members use the remaining lounges?

Priority Pass access remains available according to membership conditions. Passengers should confirm details with their card issuer.

Closing Update

The closure of the Asiana Business Lounge East facility in Incheon Airport Terminal 1 is an event that will be witnessed by eligible travelers starting October 2026. Despite the closure of the lounge facility, Asiana Airlines will still provide its Business Lounge facility via its Central and West facilities.

Passengers traveling out of Incheon are advised to check the updated lounge map prior to their travel date.