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In a transformative leap for European aviation, ITA Airways—Italy’s national flag carrier—is officially en route to joining Star Alliance, the world’s largest and most prestigious airline alliance, by early 2026. The Star Alliance Chief Executive Board (CEB) granted the green light, marking a pivotal advancement in the airline’s ongoing evolution under the Lufthansa Group.

This development cements Italy’s aviation future on a global stage, further extending Star Alliance’s already vast footprint and connecting travelers to 192 countries via over 18,000 daily flights. Once fully integrated, ITA Airways will contribute 360 new daily connections, significantly bolstering the alliance’s presence in Southern Europe.

A Gateway to Italy, Now Connected to the World

Theo Panagiotoulias, CEO of Star Alliance, hailed the decision as a watershed moment. “With ITA Airways expected to become a full member by early 2026, we are not only welcoming a high-performing airline, but also strengthening our strategic connectivity across the Mediterranean,” he said. “ITA will be a bridge between Italy’s rich cultural heritage and a seamless global travel experience.”

Rome and Milan—already popular hubs among leisure and business travelers alike—are poised to benefit the most. Thanks to ITA’s integration, currently served by 16 Star Alliance member carriers, these two cities will soon offer more direct and seamless connections to major destinations worldwide.

Made in Italy, Flying Global

Joerg Eberhart, CEO and General Manager of ITA Airways, emphasized this move’s symbolic and strategic importance. “This milestone represents more than just network expansion—it’s about exporting Italian excellence,” he said. “Joining Star Alliance allows us to amplify our service promise and offer passengers the benefits of the world’s premier airline network. This will be a defining chapter in ITA Airways’ growth story.”

ITA Airways’ onboarding process will be guided by the Lufthansa Group, whose longstanding membership and experience in the alliance make it an ideal mentor. The Lufthansa Group has been crucial in steering ITA since acquiring a stake in the airline earlier this year, embedding it into a broader European aviation framework.

Lufthansa Group Ushers in a New Era of Partnership

Dieter Vranckx, Chief Commercial Officer of the Lufthansa Group, expressed confidence and pride. “With ITA Airways becoming the fifth hub carrier of our group to join Star Alliance, we’re writing a new chapter in collaborative aviation,” he said. “Our goal is to ensure a frictionless integration that benefits travelers with more choices and better connectivity. ITA Airways brings a distinct flair to our collective strengths.”

As Lufthansa continues to deepen its European roots and strategic influence, ITA’s induction reflects broader ambitions of cross-border integration, innovation, and service excellence across Europe’s aviation corridors.

One Alliance, One Vision: Seamless Global Journeys

When the onboarding is finalized, Star Alliance will comprise 26 member airlines, further solidifying its position as the world’s most expansive and integrated airline alliance. Passengers can expect improved mileage redemption, lounge access, smooth transfers, and harmonized travel experiences across the network.

The announcement not only reflects ITA Airways’s operational success and growing stature but also highlights a return to traditional aviation values—partnership, service, and shared vision—while embracing the future of global connectivity.

Business and leisure travellers have reason to celebrate as the runway clears for ITA Airways’ full induction. Italy’s gateway to the skies will become a global gateway for millions more.