Seoul: Korean Air Co., South Korea's flag carrier, announced that its net profit for the fourth quarter rose by 13 percent compared to the previous year, driven by increased sales which helped counterbalance rising operating costs.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the airline's net profit reached 284 billion won (US$193 million) in the October-December period, marking a 13 percent increase from the previous year. Sales also increased by 13 percent on-year to 4.55 trillion won. However, operating profit saw a 5 percent decline to 413.1 billion won, attributed to heightened operating expenses due to the weakened local currency.

The passenger business sales for Korean Air increased by 217.1 billion won on-year to 2.59 trillion won, bolstered by a rise in travel demand to Japan and China during the Chuseok holiday in October. Cargo sales grew by 35.1 billion won to 1.23 trillion won, aided by steady e-commerce inflows, year-end seasonal volume, and reduced market volatility following U.S.-China tariff negotiations.

Throughout 2025, Korean Air's net profit was 965 billion won, a 21 percent decline from the previous year, as operating profit dropped 19 percent to 1.54 trillion won due to the weak Korean won. Sales, however, rose 2 percent annually, reaching a record 16.5 trillion won.

In the first quarter, Korean Air plans to enhance passenger sales by expanding operations in overseas markets to counter the weak won. The airline also intends to increase capacity flexibly to meet peak demand during the Lunar New Year holiday in February.