Asiana also waives cancellation fees now! A full comparison of refund policies for MERS-related cancellations across 11 airlines

▲ Taiwan-based airlines including China Airlines, EVA Air, Mandarin Airlines, and TransAsia, as well as South Korea’s Asiana Airlines, have introduced no-fee full refund policies. (Photo/ Illustration, photo by Huang Ke-xiang)

Reported by Chen Jui-chung / Taipei

Amid the severe impact of MERS on Korean tourism, Taiwanese carriers China Airlines, EVA Air, Mandarin Airlines, and TransAsia Airways have all announced full refunds without additional fees for bookings made before June 12. Additionally, several foreign airlines have proactively updated their policies to facilitate ticket refunds for passengers.

Among the major traditional airlines operating Taiwan–South Korea routes,China Airlines,EVA Air,Mandarin AirlinesandTransAsia Airwayswill allow full refunds without fees for tickets booked before June 5 and refunded before June 12.

Among foreign airlines,Asiana Airlineshas announced that from today (June 8) until June 12, it will follow the same no-fee refund policy as domestic carriers, becoming the first foreign airline to introduce a refund incentive in response to MERS. Asiana Airlines also stated that its fleet of 74 passenger aircraft is currently being fully disinfected weekly using MD-125 disinfectant to ensure epidemic prevention.

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Korean Air, which operates 25 flights per week to Seoul,Korean Air, continues to follow its original company regulations regarding ticket refunds and changes. The airline also noted that most passengers are currently opting to reschedule rather than cancel, with fees varying depending on ticket type, timing, and the availability of alternative flights. Any future changes to refund policies will be determined upon notification from the head office.

Thai Airwaysalso stated that since the South Korea travel alert level is currently yellow and gray, refunds and rescheduling will still follow the original rules of the issued ticket.

Among low-cost carriers,Tigerair Taiwan, which operates flights between Songshan and Gimpo, follows normal procedures allowing passengers to retain their tickets for one year, while ticket changes and refunds incur a fee of NT$1,500 for one-way trips (NT$3,000 for round trips). For tickets combining Tigerair Taiwan and Eastar Jet segments—originally non-refundable and non-changeable—the new policy allows refunds with a NT$1,500 one-way fee (NT$3,000 for round trips), though changes remain not permitted.Eastar Jetsimilarly maintains its company policy, charging a NT$2,500 round-trip fee for ticket refunds.

AnotherAir Busanstated that current refund and rescheduling policies for tickets and promotional fares remain as per company regulations and have not been amended due to MERS.Jeju Air,which recently launched flights between Taipei and Busan, also maintains its original refund policy: passengers can request a refund up to 24 hours before departure with a handling fee of NT$3,000, while ticket changes incur a fee starting from NT$1,300 depending on the cabin class.

Refund and Rescheduling Procedures for Korea-bound Flights
China Airlines: Tickets purchased before June 5 can be fully refunded without a fee if requested before June 12.
EVA Air: Tickets purchased before June 5 can be fully refunded without a fee if requested before June 12.
Mandarin Airlines: Tickets purchased before June 5 can be fully refunded without a fee if requested before June 12.
TransAsia Airways: Tickets purchased before June 5 can be fully refunded without a fee if requested before June 12.
Asiana Airlines: Tickets purchased before June 5 can be fully refunded without a fee if requested before June 12.
Korean Air: Refunds and changes are handled according to the original ticket issuance rules.
Thai Airways: Refunds and changes are handled according to the original ticket issuance rules.
Air Busan: Refunds and changes are handled according to the original ticket issuance rules.
T'way Air: Tickets can be retained for one year; rescheduling or refunds incur a one-way handling fee of NT$1,500.
Eastar Jet: Refunds and changes are handled according to the original ticket issuance rules; refunds are allowed up to 24 hours before departure.
Jeju Air: Refunds and changes are handled according to the original ticket issuance rules; refunds are allowed up to 24 hours before departure.