The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport said Thursday it had granted conditional approval for the merger, requiring the airlines to strengthen flight safety systems and implement consumer protection measures.
The Fair Trade Commission (FTC) also approved the merger, concluding that it was unlikely to restrict competition because all three airlines already belong to Hanjin Group.
The approvals follow clearance from Vietnam's Competition Commission last month, completing the domestic and overseas competition reviews required for the merger.
Jin Air aims to launch the integrated airline on March 17, 2027, pending approval at an extraordinary shareholders' meeting and the issuance of a unified Air Operator Certificate (AOC).
Under the ministry's conditions, Jin Air must complete safety inspections related to changes in its operating systems and obtain necessary approvals from foreign aviation authorities before the merger takes effect.
The airline must also submit monthly progress reports on its safety and consumer protection commitments.
As part of the integration, Jin Air submitted a plan to develop Busan into its second aviation hub, expanding international operations at Gimhae International Airport.
The airline plans to increase international routes from 28 to 33 and weekly flights from 281 to 339 following the merger.
The ministry said it would closely monitor the integration of Korean Air's full-service and low-cost airline subsidiaries to ensure flight safety and consumer convenience.
It also plans to consider measures to strengthen competition among other low-cost carriers as Korean Air's aviation group expands.
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