The integrated Jin Air plans to develop Busan Gimhae Airport as its second hub after Jin Air, Air Busan and Air Seoul merge on 17 March 2027. International services would rise from 28 routes and 281 weekly flights to 33 routes and 339 weekly flights, strengthening the carrier’s Busan operation alongside its primary base at Seoul-area Incheon.
The five additional routes are expected to include four serving Japan and one serving Southeast Asia. Domestic flights to Seoul Gimpo and Jeju are intended to continue. The merged airline also plans to add aircraft, pilots, cabin crew and maintenance staff in Busan. Air Busan currently has 16 aircraft at Gimhae and Jin Air five, giving the two operators a combined pre-merger presence of 21 aircraft.
Existing Air Busan facilities, including flight-operations control and cabin-crew training and briefing facilities, would be retained. Gimhae is also planned as an independent maintenance base for aircraft servicing and parts supply.
Korean Air, the parent company, submitted the Busan hub proposal to South Korean lawmakers. The headquarters location remains undecided, with consultations expected before a decision by the end of November 2026. The merger still requires shareholder approval and authorisation from the Fair Trade Commission and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport.