ITA Airways Joins Star Alliance Connecting Italy Globally

This article is based on an official press release from Star Alliance.

ITA Airways has officially become the 26th member of Star Alliance, marking the completion of the Italian flag carrier’s integration into the world’s largest airline alliance. The milestone was celebrated during a ceremony at the Piazza di Spagna Lounge in Rome Fiumicino Airport’s Terminal 3, attended by key executives from ITA Airways, Star Alliance, and the Lufthansa Group.

According to an official press release from Star Alliance, the airline will be fully connected to the alliance’s global network starting April 1, 2026. This integration links ITA’s hubs at Rome Fiumicino and Milan Linate, which are collectively served by 17 Star Alliance members, to a vast network of more than 1,150 destinations worldwide.

For passengers, this transition promises a more seamless travel experience in and out of Italy. Travelers will now benefit from through check-in, reciprocal frequent flyer recognition, and access to an extensive network of airport lounges across the globe.

Expanding Global Reach and Passenger Benefits

The addition of ITA Airways to Star Alliance significantly bolsters the alliance’s footprint in Southern Europe. By bringing its domestic and regional network into the fold, ITA Airways enhances connectivity for international travelers heading to and from Italy.

Passengers flying across the Star Alliance network will immediately notice the benefits of this integration. Eligible customers can now take advantage of priority services, comprehensive loyalty benefits including earning and redeeming miles, and baggage tracking designed to improve the journey at every step.

Executive Perspectives on the Integration

The successful integration is the culmination of extensive collaboration between the involved organizations. During the ceremony, leaders highlighted the strategic importance of the move for both the airline and the alliance.

In a company press release, Star Alliance Chief Executive Officer Theo Panagiotoulias emphasized the collaborative effort that made the membership possible.

“On behalf of our members, I am delighted to welcome ITA Airways as the 26th member of Star Alliance. This is the result of a focused and collaborative integration effort,” Panagiotoulias stated, noting that the move elevates the connected experience for customers traveling across multiple airlines.

Joerg Eberhart, Chief Executive Officer and General Manager of ITA Airways, echoed these sentiments, noting the expansion of the airline’s international reach and the enhancement of its premium proposition for passengers.

“Joining Star Alliance marks a historic milestone for ITA Airways and a defining step in our growth,” Eberhart said, highlighting the seamless, consistent, and high-quality travel experience the network provides.

Lufthansa Group’s Strategic Role

The transition of ITA Airways into Star Alliance is closely tied to its broader integration into the Lufthansa Group. Following Lufthansa Group’s acquisition of a stake in the Italian carrier, the move to Star Alliance was a highly anticipated step in aligning ITA’s operations with its new parent company’s network.

This alignment is expected to unlock new value propositions for customers and partners alike, creating synergies across European and global routes.

Strengthening the European Network

Dieter Vranckx, Chief Commercial Officer of Lufthansa Group, praised the dedication of the teams involved in the transition. He noted that introducing ITA Airways as a fully fledged hub airline expands options for travelers across Europe and the world.

“The Star Alliance membership is only possible thanks to the strong commitment and close collaboration of dedicated teams at ITA Airways, Lufthansa Group and Star Alliance,” Vranckx remarked in the release.

With ITA Airways now firmly positioned within the Lufthansa Group and Star Alliance ecosystems, the carrier is poised to reinforce its role in connecting Italy with the global market while maintaining its distinctive Italian identity.

Industry Impact

AirPro News analysis

The official entry of ITA Airways into Star Alliance on April 1, 2026, represents a major realignment in the European aviation landscape. Following its departure from the SkyTeam alliance, ITA’s move consolidates Lufthansa Group’s influence over the Southern European market and strengthens Star Alliance’s competitive edge in the region.

For frequent flyers, the transition into the Lufthansa Group’s ecosystem will require an adjustment period, but ultimately offers access to a much larger pool of redemption options across 26 member airlines and over 1,150 destinations. We anticipate that this integration will drive increased passenger traffic through the Rome Fiumicino and Milan Linate hubs, positioning them as critical nodes in Star Alliance’s global network.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does ITA Airways officially join Star Alliance?

ITA Airways officially connects to the Star Alliance global network starting April 1, 2026.

What benefits will passengers receive?

Customers will benefit from through check-in, reciprocal frequent flyer recognition, baggage tracking, and access to Star Alliance lounges worldwide.

How many destinations does Star Alliance serve?

With the addition of ITA Airways, the Star Alliance network connects passengers to more than 1,150 destinations globally.

Sources

• Star Alliance