Air Busan

Overview

Air Busan is a low-cost airline based in Busan, South Korea. According to Wikipedia, it was established on 31 August 2007 as a joint venture between the city of Busan and Asiana Airlines, and began flying in October 2008. Asiana was its largest shareholder and, after Asiana's merger with Korean Air, Air Busan became part of the Korean Air group's low-cost carrier consolidation. It is not a member of an alliance.

The airline remains in operation, but a merger is planned. CAPA reports that Air Busan, Jin Air and Air Seoul signed an agreement on 24 August 2026 to merge under the Jin Air brand, with launch expected on 17 March 2027. Shareholder votes are planned for December 2026, and regulatory approval is also needed. Until then, Air Busan tickets are sold under the Air Busan name.

Network and hubs

Gimhae International Airport in Busan is the main hub, and Air Busan uses its expanded international terminal. Wikipedia lists about 35 destinations, with domestic services such as Busan to Seoul Gimpo and Jeju, and international routes in Japan and elsewhere in Asia. International flights from Busan to Fukuoka began in 2010. Jin Air and Air Busan began a domestic codeshare on 6 January 2026 covering Gimpo-Busan, Jeju-Busan and Jeju-Ulsan (ch-aviation).

Fleet

The fleet is all Airbus A320 family. As of August 2025, Wikipedia lists 20 aircraft: five A320-200, seven A321-200, six A321neo and two A321LR. Flightradar24 currently lists 21 aircraft, so the count varies by source and date.

On board

Air Busan is a low-cost carrier with a single-class layout on most aircraft. Simple Flying reports a seat pitch of 31-32 inches on its A321s. Details of meals, entertainment and Wi-Fi were not confirmed in the sources reviewed, so check the airline's website before travelling.

Good to know

• Cabin baggage: third-party sources state one bag of up to 10 kg is allowed (55 x 40 x 20 cm). Checked baggage allowances vary by fare and route, so confirm on airbusan.com.
• Safety: on 28 January 2025 an A321 caught fire at Gimhae before departure, and all 176 people on board were evacuated (Aviation Herald).
• Loyalty: Wikipedia lists Asiana Club as the frequent-flyer programme. This may change with the merger.
• Merger: bookings and policies may change after the planned March 2027 integration into Jin Air.