Korean Air's Q2 Operating Profit Drops 34%, Net Profit Turns to Deficit

Korean Air experienced a significant downturn in profitability during the second quarter of 2026, with operating profit falling 34% to 261.8 billion won compared to the previous year. The airline's financial performance worsened considerably, as its net profit shifted from a substantial surplus of 395.9 billion won in the second quarter of 2025 to a deficit of 97.3 billion won in the latest reporting period. This sharp decline in net earnings signals considerable financial pressure on the carrier. However, the company managed to boost its total revenue by 26%, reaching 5.02 trillion won. This revenue growth was largely propelled by a strong performance in its passenger business, which generated 2.8479 trillion won. The contrasting trends in profit and revenue suggest that while the airline is attracting more passengers, increased operational costs or other financial factors are impacting its bottom line. The company's detailed financial disclosures were made on July 13, 2026.