More Flight Choices Ahead as ITA Airways Joins Global Alliance
ITA Airways, Italy’s national airline, is set to become a full member of Star Alliance by early 2026. The decision comes after formal approval from the Star Alliance Chief Executive Board and follows ITA’s integration into the Lufthansa Group earlier this year. This is a major moment for the airline, as it positions itself to become part of the biggest global integrated airline network that has touched nearly 200 countries so far.
As part of the integration, ITA Airways will add around 360 daily flights to Star Alliance’s schedule, focusing heavily on connections through Rome and Milan. These two cities are already major transit hubs for European and intercontinental travel. With ITA’s inclusion, Star Alliance will grow to 26 member airlines, offering more than 18,000 flights daily once the process is complete.
The benefits of this move will be substantial. By flying ITA Airways, passengers will benefit from shared alliance loyalty programs to include the ability to earn and burn points around any Star Alliance carrier. Coordinated schedules and check in procedures will enable simpler multi-airline itineraries that can save passenger time and stop them from needing to deal with layover/transfer stress.
I am proud that ITA Airways will become the fifth hub airline of the Lufthansa Group to join Star Alliance. As the mentor of the membership process, we will do our utmost to ensure a smooth and swift integration. ITA Airways’ future membership will provide Star Alliance customers with many new opportunities for personalised travel planning. I am confident that ITA Airways will be an excellent addition to the Star Alliance portfolio
Another major improvement will be the availability of unified services, such as lounge access, fast-track security, and priority boarding across partner airlines. Tourists and business travellers alike can expect better travel continuity, especially on long-haul flights involving stopovers in Europe. This expansion also opens up more convenient travel routes between Italy and key destinations across Asia, the Americas, and Africa.
The inclusion of ITA Airways into Star Alliance is more than a corporate move—it directly enhances the passenger experience. Greater mobility in these areas, faster services and wider connectivity spell more accessible Italy with this development. For frequent flyers and casual tourists alike, 2026 will bring a notable improvement in how they move through Europe and beyond.
