Air Busan Faces Ongoing Labor Dispute Over Wages Ahead of Integrated LCC Launch

by Choi Youngchan

Published 30 Jan.2026 08:13(KST)

As the launch of the integrated low-cost carrier (LCC) in 2026 becomes increasingly likely, labor and management at Air Busan remain at an impasse, having yet to conclude last year’s wage negotiations.

Air Busan Faces Ongoing Labor Dispute Over Wages Ahead of Integrated LCC Launch

According to the airline industry on January 30, Air Busan has not finalized its wage negotiations, and the matter is currently undergoing mediation procedures at the Labor Relations Commission.

The union claims that the company’s recently proposed wage increase plan is clearly different from what was explained by management during the previous wage system restructuring.

The Air Busan union asserts that in April of last year, when the company restructured its wage system to follow the Jin Air model, management promised a step-by-step wage increase and improved working conditions after the basic salary structure was revised.

A representative of the Air Busan Cabin Crew Union stated, “We cannot accept a wage proposal that differs from what was promised. As the mediation process at the Labor Relations Commission is underway, the company must engage in responsible negotiations and provide a clear explanation.”

The Air Busan Cabin Crew Union plans to strongly demand: an official company statement clarifying the explanations given at the time of the wage system restructuring; a renewed, substantive wage increase proposal; and measures to prevent wage discrimination during the integration process. In addition, the union is planning to hold a rally in front of Air Busan’s headquarters in February to urge management to engage in sincere wage negotiations.

Meanwhile, Jin Air aims to complete its integration with Air Busan and Air Seoul in the first quarter of next year. On January 22, Jin Air CEO Park Byungryul stated at the company’s 18th anniversary event that the physical integration of the three airlines will be completed this year, and the company will focus on fostering unity among employees.